ANC Engages Rivals on Forming New South African Government
South Africa’s African National Congress has begun talks with its rivals on the formation of a new government after last month’s elections failed to produce an outright winner.
The party is considering a government of national unity (GNU) that would include a number of parties, ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri told reporters on Wednesday.
They are speaking to all parties, including the IFP, EFF, PA and DA. They have reached out to the MK, but have not yet received a positive response.
South Africa had a GNU from 27 April 1994 to 3 February 1997.
The interim constitution required that all parties with 20 or more seats in the national assembly could claim one or more cabinet portfolios and enter the government.
The defunct National Party (NP) and the Inkatha Freedom Party both obtained cabinet positions with their 82 and 43 seats respectively.
The NP abandoned the GNU on 3 June 1996 citing a lack of influence on government policy and FW de Klerk resigned from his position as deputy president that he shared with Thabo Mbeki.
The ANC had a majority in parliament during this period, unlike now.
