The governing African National Congress, ANC is expected to be returned to office in South Africa’s parliamentary election, but with a reduced majority.
With more than 90% of district results declared, the ANC has won 57% of the ballot, well ahead of the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on 21%.
The ANC, which has been in power since 1994, won 62% of the vote at the last general election in 2014.
Anger over the economy and corruption may have eroded its appeal.
Analysts predict the ANC will win the election with up to 59% of the vote.
Turnout was about 65% in the twin parliamentary and provincial elections – a drop compared to the 73% registered five years ago.
Full results are due on Saturday.
South Africa’s political landscape has shifted only slightly with these elections, the governing ANC slipping from 62% to 57% nationally.
That’s still quite an achievement for a party that has presided over a decade of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption.
