South Africa’s parliament choosing president amid uncertainty

Governing ANC is depending on former foes to give Ramaphosa a second term and extend its three-decade hold on power.

South Africa’s newly elected parliament has convened to choose the country’s next president, with the country on a political knife-edge since last month’s election.

Lawmakers meeting on Friday are expected to re-elect President Cyril Ramaphosa to form an unprecedented coalition government after his governing African National Congress (ANC) party cobbled together a coalition deal following the May 29 vote.

Ramaphosa, 71, is seeking a second term but his ANC party has been weakened after losing its long-held majority, gathering 40 percent of the vote. It will now need the support of other parties if Ramaphosa is to return as president.

On Friday, the ANC reportedly reached a deal on forming a unity government with Democratic Alliance, a key party in coalition talks after winning a 21 percent share of the vote.

The agreement, which also includes the Inkatha Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance, would see the DA take the position of deputy speaker, according to public broadcaster SABC. It was unclear whether it would see coalition partners electing Ramaphosa as president.