Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the president of South Africa by the country’s parliament after a significant coalition agreement was reached between the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.

The newly formed government of national unity comprises the ANC led by Mr. Ramaphosa, the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA), and other smaller political parties.

In his address after the victory, Mr. Ramaphosa praised the coalition and emphasized the expectation of voters for the leaders to collaborate and work collectively for the benefit of all citizens in the nation.

The agreement was finalized amidst a day filled with intense political developments, with the National Assembly convening late into the night to confirm the power holders in the upcoming administration.

Following weeks of speculation, a deal was eventually reached on whom the ANC would align with after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades during the recent elections.

Despite securing 40% of the vote, the ANC had to form a coalition as the DA emerged as the second-largest party with 22% of the votes.

This coalition allows Mr. Ramaphosa, who took over from Jacob Zuma in 2018 after a contentious power struggle, to continue leading the country.

The next crucial step involves Mr. Ramaphosa assigning cabinet positions, which will also include members from the DA.

Notably, the multi-party agreement excludes two ANC splinter groups, and these factions may gain if the coalition fails to deliver the economic progress anticipated by the electorate.