Inkatha Freedom Party Joins South African Proposed Government of National Unity

 

Following the long-ruling African National Congress’s loss of its legislative majority in last month’s election, the leader of South Africa’s Inkatha Freedom Party announced on Wednesday that it will join a proposed government of national unity. This move aims to overcome the political gridlock in the nation.

With Velenkosini Hlabisa’s announcement, several major parties have agreed to form a coalition government with the ANC, increasing the chances of reaching an agreement by the Friday deadline. This deadline coincides with the new Parliament of South Africa's first meeting following the May 29 election, where they will attempt to elect a president.

After the apartheid system of white minority control was overthrown in 1994, the ANC has ruled for thirty years. However, in this election, it secured only 40% of the vote. Despite being the largest party, it now needs to negotiate with other parties to govern and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second and final term.

In national elections, South Africans vote for parties, and their percentage of the vote determines their seats in Parliament. Subsequently, legislators elect the president of Africa’s most industrialized nation.

Last week, the ANC proposed forming a government of national unity rather than a limited coalition with one or two parties, inviting all 17 other parties in Parliament to join. Some parties have declined this invitation.

According to Hlabisa, the IFP is prepared to join a unity government that includes the ANC and the Democratic Alliance, the second most popular opposition party in South Africa.

“We will do this for the sake of our country and a stable government,” Hlabisa stated. The IFP primarily garners support from the Zulu ethnic group.

The centrist Democratic Alliance has also indicated its willingness to join a unity government, although negotiations with the ANC are ongoing.

Together, the ANC, DA, and IFP would have a clear majority in Parliament.

However, two other significant parties—the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters and the new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma—have refused to join the unity accord. The MK Party has contested the election results, filing legal motions to halt the first Parliament meeting.

Despite officially declaring the election results on June 2 and deeming them free and fair, South Africa’s independent electoral body acknowledged logistical issues and protests from numerous parties. Independent observers also affirmed the election was free and fair.

The MK Party has stated that if the Parliament meeting proceeds on Friday, its 58 new legislators will not attend. Despite the boycott, South Africa’s constitution requires only a third of the 400 members of Parliament to be present for a quorum, allowing the vote to choose the president to go forward.