# Analyzing the ANC's Electoral Decline Beyond Ramaphosa Internal power structures and regional governance failures contribute to the party's historic electoral setbacks. - **Source:** [IOL News](https://www.iol.co.za/news) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ecb0db17-d9bb-4496-a5ac-91be9441e417 ## Leadership Accountability Limits President Cyril Ramaphosa faces intense pressure following the African National Congress's recent electoral humiliation. While his leadership is a central point of contention, attributing the entire decline to his personal performance ignores deeper structural issues. The party's struggle reflects a complex interplay of national leadership and entrenched internal political dynamics. ## Provincial Power Networks The decline of the ANC is deeply rooted in provincial and regional power networks that operate independently of the national executive. These localized factions often dictate the outcome of leadership contests and influence the selection of candidates. Such internal structures have significantly eroded the party's overall cohesion and electoral appeal. ## Local Government Failures Regional governance performance serves as a critical indicator of the party's broader decline. When local government entities fail to deliver essential services, the negative impact resonates throughout the national electoral landscape. These failures at the grassroots level have alienated voters who directly experience the consequences of administrative mismanagement and corruption. ## Internal Selection Processes The mechanisms used to select candidates for regional and provincial positions have come under increased scrutiny. Critics argue that these processes prioritize factional loyalty over competence and public service. By insulating local leaders from accountability, the party has inadvertently fostered a culture that prioritizes internal power retention over electoral success. ## Structural Party Challenges The ANC faces a systemic crisis that transcends the tenure of any single individual, including the current president. Decades of dominance have created rigid internal hierarchies that are resistant to reform. Addressing this decline requires a fundamental shift in how the party manages its internal power dynamics and regional influence. ## Voter Disenchantment Factors Voters are increasingly signaling their dissatisfaction with the status quo through reduced support at the ballot box. This trend is not merely a reaction to national policy but a response to the perceived disconnect between party elites and local realities. The erosion of trust is a cumulative effect of long-standing governance issues. ## The Role of Factionalism Factionalism remains a persistent obstacle to the ANC's ability to present a unified front to the electorate. These internal divisions often paralyze decision-making processes and distract from the core mission of effective governance. Without resolving these deep-seated conflicts, the party will continue to struggle with its public image and performance. ## Future Reform Requirements Moving forward, the party must reconcile its national strategy with the realities of its regional power structures. Simply changing the president will not resolve the underlying issues that led to the recent electoral setbacks. Comprehensive reform of internal selection and governance accountability is essential for the party to regain its standing. ## Sources covering this story - https://iol.co.za/pretoria-news/opinion/2026-11-12-why-ramaphosa-cannot-be-blamed-for-the-ancs-electoral-humiliation/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._