South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) has been returned to office after winning parliamentary election, but with a reduced majority.

BBC reports the ANC secured 58% of the vote, ahead of the Democratic Alliance (DA) on 21%.

The radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), came third with 11%.

A struggling economy and corruption have eroded the ANC's popularity.

ANC leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, called on the people to build a united South Africa.

How South Africa has changed since apartheid ‑ in charts

In his victory speech, he said the result showed that South Africans still had faith in the ANC ‑ in power since 1994 ‑ to deliver.

He called for a South Africa "which is united, which is non‑racial, which is non‑sexist, democratic and prosperous".

Turnout was about 65% in the twin parliamentary and provincial elections ‑ a drop compared to the 73% registered five years ago.

It was the first time the ANC's share of the vote has fallen below the 60% mark and it will now have 19 fewer seats in the 400‑member parliament

[Source:BBC]

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