Introduction
General elections were held in South Africa on 29 May 2024 with a voter turnout of 58.6% (vs. 66% in 2019), the lowest on record since universal suffrage was implemented in 1994. The final results were declared three days later, on 2 June. Parliament (composed of the National Assembly and the National Council) has 14 days after the announcement of the results to elect a President. These results were highly anticipated, as, for the first time in the post-apartheid era, the African National Congress (ANC) was widely expected to lose its absolute majority, which it ultimately did. These results put the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa in a tight spot regarding the formation of a governing coalition, as the results of its smaller partners are insufficient to secure a 50+ 1 majority (or 204 MPs in the 400-seat National Assembly), raising uncertainty for the coming years.
The ANC's result was even worse than expectations, as it barely secured 40% of the vote for the National Assembly (159 seats) vs. 57.5% in the 2019 elections (230 seats). The centrist Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party, came in second with 21.8% (87 seats) of the vote. The biggest surprise was the strong showing of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK party), launched in December 2023 by ex-president Jacob Zuma (in office from 2009 to 2018, but ineligible at this election due to a criminal conviction), which secured 14.4% of the vote (58 seats). Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the traditional third political force in the country since 2014 and led by Julius Malema, came in fourth at 9.7% (39 seats) (Chart 1).
Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist.
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Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist.
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THE WOLF ECONOMY AWAKENS
Mongolia's Fight for Democracy, and a Green and Digital Future
DESTINATION Kenya
Background - My interest in visiting Kenya began on December 3, 2016, when the Kenya Tourism Board organized the Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament in Delhi. The event, by invitation only, attracted many notable figures from Delhi NCR, and I was fortunate to be one of the winners. Along with a beautiful trophy, the prize included a trip to Kenya to play three rounds of golf in Nairobi and visit the renowned wildlife sanctuaries of Kenya.
THE POLITICAL LESSONS FROM THE MAHABHARATA
The word 'politics' always inflicts a sense of excitement as well as resentment amongst the public at large. Often people irrespective of gender or age are found commenting upon the dynamics of politics and the way it has taken shape over the years.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE: TRANSFORMING TANZANIA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Tanzania, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is now setting a new precedent in the healthcare sector.
INDIA'S ELECTRIC REVOLUTION: LEADING THE GLOBAL THREE-WHEELER MARKET
Globally, long-term EV growth is expected to lower battery prices and advance next-generation battery technology, enhancing the economic viability of electric vehicles. According to a BNEF report, the three-wheeled vehicle segment is on track to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, with India's growth positioning it as a global leader.
INDIA'S STRATEGY TO SCALE UP GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
India's first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal's Jhakri was inaugurated on April 24 this year.
"Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership has made progress"
In an interview with Diplomatist Magazine, Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, provides perspectives on the burgeoning Vietnam-India relationship, particularly focussing on trade, investment, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. With Vietnam's emergence as a pivotal manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia and India's robust technological prowess, he highlights the promising avenues for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Mr. Bien also sheds light on Vietnam's rich cultural and natural attractions, emphasising the Consulate General's efforts to promote tourism and culinary exchange in Mumbai.
THE EVOLUTION OF MINILATERALS: CATALYSTS FOR STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
The current set of multilaterals, collectively or individually are facing a challenge in achieving four objectives of the largest multilateral institutions, the United Nations viz, \"maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid and support sustainable development\", owing to rising great power competition, unbridled competition among regional powers and unprecedented challenges in the Global North and the Global South.
NAVIGATING THE CROSSROADS: VISION FOR EUROPE'S FUTURE
\"Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.\" Jean Monnet - The Father of the European Union.
ECONOMIC REFORMS AND GROWTH PROSPECTS: INDIA'S AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
India's economy is of global importance with a large young population and an open and democratic political system. It is already the third-largest economy and contributor to global economic growth, yet there is considerable untapped potential.
