South Africa’s weakened ANC talks with 5 parties over possible coalition but says it’s still early

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME
Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A party spokesperson says top officials in South Africa’s African National Congress have had initial talks with representatives of five other parties over a coalition or agreement to form a government but no decision has been made. South Africa faced an election deadlock after the long-ruling ANC lost its 30-year majority in an election last week but no party managed to overtake it. The ANC remained the biggest party. The ANC spokesperson said Wednesday there have been exploratory talks with the main opposition Democratic Alliance, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters and three other smaller parties. She said the new MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma has not responded to an invitation for talks.