Which South African Parties Will Be ANC's Coalition Partner?
- Most analysts expect ruling party’s support to dip below 50%
- GOOD, Patriotic Alliance among contenders to join government
Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa officials assists a voter to be registered in Durban on Feb .3.
Photographer: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP/Getty Images
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress risks losing its majority in this year’s elections, but should be able to form a governing coalition with smaller parties rather than having to enlist its main rivals, a survey of political analysts shows.
Support for the ANC is expected to drop to 48%, from 57% five years ago, according to the median estimate of 14 analysts canvassed by Bloomberg between Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, with just two forecasting that the party will win more than half the vote. The main opposition Democratic Alliance is expected to garner 22% backing, and the populist Economic Freedom Fighters — currently the third-largest party — 12.5%.