THE FINAL election survey released before South Africans go to the polls today has indicated the African National Congress (ANC)will secure the two-thirds majority it seeks by a slim margin.
An Ipsos-Markinor poll of 3,500 voters suggested the ANC will get 67 per cent of the vote in the general election – 2 per cent less than the ruling party won in 2004.
The poll result is the first since late last year to indicate the ruling party would secure the majority – more than 66 per cent – needed to pass legislation through parliament without the support of opposition MPs.
If accurate the result would indicate that despite attempts to discredit the ANC leadership in the run-up to the poll, opposition parties have failed to convince undecided voters they offer a viable alternative to the former liberation movement.
ANC leader Jacob Zuma, the man expected to become South Africa’s next president, told his final pre-election press conference there would be a smooth transition of power.
He described the 2009 elections as “more exciting” than any other since 1994, but once again said a vote for the opposition was wasted, as the ANC was the only party with firm policies to improve the lives of the poor majority.
When asked whether minister for finance Trevor Manuel – highly regarded by the international business community for his conservative economic policies – would keep his post under the new administration, he declined to answer.
He said such matters would only be dealt with once the election had been won. Other reports suggest Mr Manuel will remain in the cabinet, although he may lose his finance portfolio.
More than 23 million South Africans have registered to vote, and according to the Independent Electoral Commission a voter turnout in the region of 80 per cent is expected.
While this campaign has been peaceful compared to previous elections, KwaZulu-Natal violence monitor Mary de Haas yesterday asked the government for more security in areas where politically affiliated individuals have been attacked in the past week.
