NPR

South Africans Vote As Mandela's Ruling Party Strives To Retain Power

The ruling African National Congress saw its reputation tarnished in the wake of scandals and high unemployment. The election is largely seen as a referendum on the political party.
Hundreds of South African voters wait in long lines outside of a Durban polling station on Wednesday.

Votes are being counted with results expected in the coming days after South Africans voted Wednesday in what's being seen as a referendum on the party that's governed the country for 25 years, since apartheid ended.

Local outlets that turnout in townships appeared low on the public holiday, especially compared to the first nonracial elections in 1994. That year, was sworn in as South Africa's first democratically elected, and first black,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Runaway Horses Gallop Through Central London, Blazing A Path Of Mayhem And Injuries
Five military horses got spooked during a training exercise, bolting and weaving a path of destruction across the city before being captured. Several people and horses are being treated for injuries.
NPR3 min read
A Photographer Documented Black Cowboys Across The U.S. For A New Book
NPR's A Martinez speaks with photojournalist Ivan McClellan about his new book documenting Black cowboys, Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture.
NPR4 min readInternational Relations
Biden Signs $95 Billion Military Aid Package For Ukraine, Israel And Taiwan
Ukraine will get most of the assistance as it struggles to combat Russia's overwhelming firepower. The bill also includes more weapons for Israel, and humanitarian help for Gaza.

Related Books & Audiobooks