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ANC Misses Two-Thirds Majority

Final results clear the way for Zuma presidency

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2009 10:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The African National Congress easily won South Africa’s general election as predicted, but it failed to get a two-thirds majority that would have given it greater muscle, BBC reports. The ANC received 65.9% of approximately 17 million votes, putting Jacob Zuma in line to be president. A two-thirds majority would have allowed the ANC to change the constitution and enact major legislation unchallenged—and possibly protect Zuma from corruption charges.

“It is a joyous if not an outright emotional day for the ANC,” said the party’s provincial secretary, glossing over a 4-point drop in support from the last election.

African National Congress presidential candidate Jacob Zuma, fourth from right, reacts, outside ANC headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday April 23, 2009.
African National Congress presidential candidate Jacob Zuma, fourth from right, reacts, outside ANC headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday April 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
The African National Congress' results are projected on a results board at the Independent Election Commission results center in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, April 23, 2009.
The African National Congress' results are projected on a results board at the Independent Election Commission results center in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, April 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)
African National Congress presidential candidate Jacob Zuma, reacts during celebrations outside the party headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday April 23, 2009.
African National Congress presidential candidate Jacob Zuma, reacts during celebrations outside the party headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday April 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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