JOHANNESBURG, June 15 – Members of the South African parliament re-elected Cyril Ramaphosa late on Friday as president for a second term during the first sitting of the legislature, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.
Ramaphosa, 71, leader of the African National Congress (ANC), received 283 votes, defeating Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who garnered 44 votes.
The ANC, once led by civil rights icon Nelson Mandela, dominated South African politics for the past three decades until losing its majority in the 29 May national elections.
The ANC has 159 lawmakers in the 400-member National Assembly, making it difficult for the party to form a government on its own.
It proposed the formation of a government of national unity.
Earlier on Friday, the ANC reached a deal to form a national unity government with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Ramaphosa thanked members of parliament who voted for him and pledged to work and serve all South Africans.
He said in an address that it was a great moment to see political parties that contested in a tough and divisive election agreeing to work together in a government of national unity.
“I wish to state clearly, that this is not a grand coalition of two or three parties,” said Ramaphosa, adding that more parties are welcome to voluntarily join the national unity government.
Malema congratulated Ramaphosa on his re-election and said his party will ensure that parliament is functional, as it will be a vocal opposition that will check the executive.
