By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Videography: Jacob Mawela.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) predictions see the incumbent African National Congress (ANC) take a massive knock, down 70 seats from 2019 to 160/400 seats. This would make it the first time since 1994 that the ANC loses its parliamentary majority.
The official opposition is predicted to still be the Democratic Alliance, up three seats from 2019 to 87.
Newcomer uMkhonto we Sizwe is predicted to make inroads, acquiring 58 seats just months after their formation.
Conversly, the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) are expected to drop six seats to get 38.
The Inkatha Freedom Party could pick up an additional three seats to get 17, while the Patriotic Alliance is expected to make their debut in Parliament with nine seats.
The Vryheidsfront Plus are predicted to get six seats, down from 10 in 2019, while ActionSA could make their parliamentary debut with five seats.
ANC deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane says the party would continue to wait for the full set of results to come in.
Asked on Friday whether Cyril Ramaphosa would have to resign after the dismal election result, Mokonyane said: “Nobody is going to resign.”
She also said that no National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was scheduled to take place, its all lies.
Earlier Fullview had indicated that the party is currently holding its NEC meeting, its highest decision making body as the party looks set to lose the parliamentary majority it has held for 30 years since the end of apartheid.
Mokonyane also confirmed the party’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued strict instructions to NEC members about visiting the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand- without authorisation.
“The ANC will issue a formal communication regarding the 2024 NPE once more than half the results (approximately 10 million votes) have been announced. This statement will be guided by the ANC National Officials based on a report by the National Elections Team.
“The NEC will receive a report on the 2024 NPE and its outcomes. The date of the next NEC meeting will be communicated,” Mbalula further stated.
Once the IEC declares the 2024 election results and legislature seats – this is expected on Sunday at 3pm – the National Assembly must sit within 14 days as stipulated by the Constitution.
The first step is to swear in 400 MPs, which is done by the chief justice, and then to elect the President. It is understood the venue for this would be the Cape Town Convention Centre.
But exactly when this would happen will depend on the politicians, and how any cooperation agreements shape up. The pressure is on, and no doubt all sorts of posts from Cabinet to Parliament are up for discussion.
Once the President is elected, the inauguration and the official swearing of the oath of office and obedience to the Constitution must take place at most five days later, according to the Constitution.
Watch the interview in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Fullview.