Proportional representation could be answer to unstable coalitions

THE turbulence within the Government of National Unity particularly between the larger coalition partners, the ANC and the DA has revealed more than just political posturing.

- MASIZOLE MNQASELA

It has exposed the urgent need to revisit South Africa’s electoral framework. The ANC may have believed it could co-opt the DA to mute opposition and maintain dominance, but the result has been far more unpredictable. The DA has not only retained its voice but asserted its leverage. This scenario lays bare a fundamental truth: democratic power must be shared proportionally, not seized through political muscle or manipulated alliances.

South Africa stands at a crossroads. The “first-past-the-post” system where the largest party wields outsized influence, even if it lacks a clear majority is failing us. It distorts the will of the people and erodes public trust. What we need instead is a constitutional shift toward mandatory proportional representation.

This would not only reflect the diverse will of the electorate but also foster a system of accountability, inclusion, and true coalition governance.

Proportional representation (PR) is not a foreign concept. In fact, South Africa already uses it for local, national and provincial elections, which has ensured that smaller parties gain representation in municipal councils and legislative councils.