South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) announced Thursday that it has reached a broad agreement with the main opposition and other parties to form a coalition government, marking a significant move to break a political deadlock following the ANC’s loss of its majority in the recent election.

The announcement, just ahead of South Africa’s new Parliament’s first sitting, sets the stage for lawmakers to elect a president.

The ANC, needing support from other parties to secure a second term for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who faces his final term limit, lost its long-held parliamentary majority in the May 29 election.

Speaking to reporters, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the Democratic Alliance and other key parties have agreed on the fundamental principle of a “government of national unity” with the ANC. However, finer details of the agreement are yet to be finalized.

“This represents a major breakthrough for us,” Mbalula stated, adding that the framework of the agreement is expected to be made public on Friday.

The urgency to form a coalition stems from constitutional requirements mandating Parliament to convene and elect a president within 14 days of national election results being officially declared. The deadline is Sunday, prompting Friday’s parliamentary session.

While the ANC secured the largest share of the vote with 40%, the Democratic Alliance follows with 21%, potentially forming a clear majority together in Parliament to govern and re-elect Ramaphosa, contingent on the finalized agreement.

In addition to the Democratic Alliance, smaller parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party have already declared their intention to join the unity government.

The ANC, historically led by Nelson Mandela and governing South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, faces a significant shift in the country’s political landscape with this year’s election marking a departure from its long-standing dominance.

Despite invitations extended to all 17 other parties represented in Parliament to join the unity government, some have declined. The Economic Freedom Fighters and the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, have notably opted out of participating in the coalition government.

The developments mark a historic moment as South Africa navigates the prospect of its first national-level coalition government since the end of apartheid, signalling a new era in the country’s democratic politics.