Early results from South Africa’s November 4 municipal elections point to a sharp decline in support for the African National Congress, potentially weakening its control of major cities. With roughly 36% of ballots counted by midday Thursday, the ANC had about 32%, just ahead of the Democratic Alliance at 27%. If sustained, that would represent a 14-percentage-point fall from the ANC’s 2021 municipal result, its previous record low. The development is seen as voters’ way of punishing the governing party over persistent crime, corruption, and unreliable basic services. The DA claimed Cape Town with about 60 percent and led narrowly in Johannesburg, where coalition talks look unavoidable. Final results are expected on Sunday, after which parties will have two weeks to agree on local governing arrangements.