The emergence of the Patriotic Alliance and the increasing influence of opposition parties like the EFF signifies a changing political environment in South Africa. South African municipal by-elections in October 2023 saw the ANC and DA hold onto two seats each, but the EFF and Patriotic Alliance won two seats each, reflecting a shift in the political atmosphere. Voter turnout varied, indicating voter apathy or a lack of confidence in the electoral process.
What were the results of South African municipal by-elections in October 2023?
The ANC and DA successfully held onto two seats each, but the ANC conceded two seats to the EFF and the Patriotic Alliance. This reflects a shift in the political atmosphere, with opposition parties gaining ground, particularly the EFF and the emerging Patriotic Alliance. Voter turnout varied and may indicate voter apathy or a lack of confidence in the electoral process.
The political environment in South Africa witnessed a minor upheaval on 11 October 2023 when the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) released the outcomes of municipal by-elections in Mpumalanga, North West, and the Northern Cape provinces. Both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) successfully held onto two seats each, but the ANC conceded two seats to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
In these elections, the ANC triumphed in two wards within the Northern Cape. Mabel Gadimelwe Tau was chosen in Ward 06 Siyancuma Municipality, winning 50.18% of the total votes. This number signifies a decrease from the 62.03% the party obtained during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter participation in this ward was 47.06%. Simultaneously, Jesica Sarah White prevailed in Ward 03 Kai !Garib Municipality, garnering 38.22% of the votes, a minor decline from 38.57% in 2021. Voter engagement in this ward reached 61.40%.
The Democratic Alliance successfully maintained its standing in two wards of North West province. Jacqeline Anne Basson was victorious in Ward 16 Matlosana Municipality, acquiring 67.11% of the total votes, a slight improvement from the 65.24% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter participation in this ward was 39.68%. In Ward 17 Matlosana Municipality, Abraham Gerhardus Strydom won with 69.95% of the votes, a considerable increase from 61.73% in 2021. Voter turnout in this ward reached 34.84%.
The EFF achieved a significant milestone in the by-elections by seizing Ward 13 Msukalingwa Municipality in Mpumalanga, previously under ANC control. Siphiwe Florence Ngwenya became the new EFF councillor, receiving 60.04% of the total votes, a minor decrease from the 60.58% the ANC obtained in 2021. Voter turnout in this ward was 42.67%.
The Patriotic Alliance made an impactful entrance by claiming victory in Ward 01 Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape, previously held by the ANC. Johan Loff secured 53.27% of the total votes, a substantial increase from the 40.70% the ANC gained during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter participation in this ward was 56.15%.
These by-elections function as a reflection of the shifting political atmosphere in South Africa. The ANC, which has led South African politics since apartheid’s end, seems to be losing traction, as evidenced by the decline in support in Siyancuma and Kai !Garib Municipalities.
In contrast, opposition parties are gaining ground. For example, the Democratic Alliance increased its portion of the vote in both wards it competed in North West province. The EFF’s victory in Mpumalanga further emphasizes the growing influence of the party, which presents itself as a radical alternative to the ANC.
Additionally, the emergence of the Patriotic Alliance in these by-elections showcases the increasing fragmentation of South Africa’s political environment. The PA’s success in Sol Plaatje Municipality demonstrates that smaller parties can capitalize on dissatisfaction with the ANC and make significant progress in the electoral process.
The by-election results also underline the significance of voter turnout. In some wards, victories were achieved with relatively low voter turnouts, ranging from 34.84% to 61.40%. This could suggest voter apathy or a lack of confidence in the electoral process, which can ultimately impact election results.
In summary, the October 2023 municipal by-election results offer a glimpse into the changing political environment in South Africa. Although the ANC remains a powerful force, its diminishing support base implies that its hold on power may be weakening. Opposition parties such as the DA, EFF, and PA are capitalizing on the opportunity to make significant advancements, indicating that South Africa’s political landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic and competitive.
The ANC and DA held onto two seats each, but the EFF and Patriotic Alliance won two seats each, reflecting a shift in the political atmosphere. Voter turnout varied, indicating voter apathy or a lack of confidence in the electoral process.
The municipal by-elections took place in Mpumalanga, North West, and the Northern Cape provinces.
Both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) held onto two seats each, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) won two seats each.
The ANC won two wards in the Northern Cape but conceded two seats to the EFF and the Patriotic Alliance. This reflects a shift in the political atmosphere, with opposition parties gaining ground.
The Democratic Alliance successfully maintained its standing in two wards in North West province, namely Ward 16 Matlosana Municipality and Ward 17 Matlosana Municipality.
The EFF achieved a significant milestone in the by-elections by seizing Ward 13 Msukalingwa Municipality in Mpumalanga, previously under ANC control.
The Patriotic Alliance made an impactful entrance by claiming victory in Ward 01 Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape, previously held by the ANC.
The by-election results underline the significance of voter turnout, with victories being achieved with relatively low voter turnouts ranging from 34.84% to 61.40%. This could suggest voter apathy or a lack of confidence in the electoral process, which can ultimately impact election results.
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