SOUTH AFRICA’S election on May 29th may be the most important since 1994, the first election after the end of apartheid. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is in slow decline. Corruption is a problem, and the state is becoming less effective. As economic problems stack up, most of the population is becoming increasingly despondent. Nearly three-quarters say that they would forfeit elections for a government that could provide economic security.
The Economist’s poll tracker suggests that the ANC will win its lowest share of the vote ever, probably falling below 50% for the first time. South Africa’s proportional-representation system means that the ANC would then need to form a coalition to govern. Potential partners range across the political spectrum. The choice of partner is a big one for the country.