A coalition consisting of seven political parties in South Africa has formalized an agreement in their endeavor to dislodge the governing African National Congress (ANC) in the upcoming 2024 election.
Termed the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, this pact outlines that in the event of their assumption of power, the coalition members will collaborate to assign ministerial roles and parliamentary seats.
Additionally, a significant aim of this alliance is to prevent the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, led by Julius Malema, from gaining ascendancy.
The initiative, spearheaded by the primary opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), comes at a juncture when the nation grapples with challenges such as a struggling economy, corruption, crime, unemployment, and an unprecedented energy crisis.
Among the signatories are the Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, United Independent Movement, Independent SA National Civic Organisation (Isanco), and the Spectrum National Party.
The coalition intends to expand its inclusivity by extending invitations to other parties in due course.
Observers suggest that the ANC faces the potential of relinquishing its parliamentary majority for the first time since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994.
However, the newly formed bloc has yet to determine the identity of the elected president in the event of a successful outcome in the election.