South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the significant setback faced by his African National Congress (ANC) party in the recent election, marking the first time since the end of apartheid 30 years ago that the party has lost its majority.

The ANC, formerly led by Nelson Mandela, secured only 159 seats in the 400-seat parliament in Wednesday’s election, a steep decline from the 230 seats it held in the previous assembly. Despite the loss, Ramaphosa described the election results as a triumph for democracy and urged rival parties to seek common ground, signaling the start of coalition negotiations.

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed willingness to engage in coalition talks with Ramaphosa, although it opposes several key priorities of his government. According to the electoral commission’s announcement on Sunday, with all votes counted, the ANC garnered 40% of the vote, a significant drop from the 58% it achieved in the previous election. Analysts noted that this result was even lower than the party’s anticipated worst-case scenario of 45%, necessitating a coalition to form the next government.

“Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not, they have spoken,” Ramaphosa stated. “As leaders of political parties and those in positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes.” He emphasized that the voters’ mandate was for the parties to find common ground, adding, “Through their votes, they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong and enduring.”

South Africa’s political parties are now focused on negotiating a coalition deal within two weeks, ahead of the new parliament’s first session.

The centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) remains the second-largest party in South Africa’s parliament with 87 seats and has expressed openness to coalition discussions. “We urge all those who cherish our constitution and its values to put aside petty politics and narrow sectarian interests and join hands now,” DA leader John Steenhuisen stated.

However, the DA opposes two of the ANC’s core policies: black empowerment initiatives aimed at integrating black citizens into the economy after their exclusion during apartheid, and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which promises universal healthcare. The ANC has declared both policies non-negotiable in any coalition talks.

Former President Jacob Zuma, now leading the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which came third with 58 seats, did not attend the announcement of the results and has hinted at possibly contesting them. The MK party has indicated a willingness to collaborate with the ANC, but only if Cyril Ramaphosa is not at the helm.