Following the 29 May election, new MPs are being sworn in, marking the African National Congress’s loss of majority for the first time in 30 years. This outcome has prompted coalition talks for the ANC. The MPs are set to elect a speaker, deputy speaker, and the next president. To secure Cyril Ramaphosa as head of state, the ANC must reach a deal with other parties, though specifics are yet to be finalized. The main opposition party, the DA, insists on resolving certain issues. Meanwhile, ex-President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe, which came third in the poll, has contested the election outcome and announced its MPs will abstain from attendance.
3.5