South Africa’s first decade of democracy, 1994-2004, delivered a high
volume of governing and opposition alliances and coalitions in South Africa.
These alliances and coalitions catalysed the party system and facilitated
the consolidation of ANC power. Simultaneously, alliances in this decade
triggered the main opposition party, the DA, which continued to dominate
opposition politics numerically through Election 2014. The second decade
of democracy, 2004-2014, was characterised by continued ANC dominance,
yet, instead of the ANC unremittingly usurping parties, it became subject
to splits. Some of the split-offs emerged to become opposition parties. Others
fused into alliances with either the ANC or existing opposition parties. This
article takes stock of the development during these two decades and looks
ahead to budding new alliances that may thrive in conditions of lessened
ANC dominance.
Causes and Impact of Party Alliances on the Party System and National Cohesion South Africa
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Journal of African Elections