South Africa election: ANC could lose 30-year rule as president raises interference concerns

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cast his ballot on Wednesday in national elections where opinion polls suggest his African National Congress (ANC) risks losing its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power.

Ramaphosa voiced concern over reported incidents of interference with electoral officials. "When you interfere with the work of the [electoral commission], you are really interfering with our democracy," he said.

The ANC has been tarnished by scandals and anger over a stagnant economy, record unemployment of around 33 per cent and rolling power cuts. Its vote share has declined in every election since its 2004 peak.

If it fails to win a parliamentary majority, the ANC would likely have to make deals with smaller opposition parties to stay in power — uncharted territory for Africa's oldest liberation movement.

In Cape Town, the importance of the election weighed on first-time voters. "It's my first time voting yes. And I'm feeling very excited but nervous, because this is my first time voting and yeah, it's a very big decision for our country," Puleletso Makhura said.

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