South African President Ramaphosa seems set for reelection after key party says it will back him
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The leader of South Africa’s second biggest party says it will back Cyril Ramaphosa for president, almost guaranteeing he will be relected for a second term in Parliament later Friday.
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen says his party has now formally signed a coalition agreement with Ramaphosa’s African National Congress, and part of the agreement is Ramaphosa will be president.
Lawmakers are due to elect a president later on Friday and the ANC and DA together have a majority of lawmakers that would see Ramaphosa return for a second term. If Ramaphosa is the only candidate nominated, he would be elected automatically without the need for a vote.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.