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South Africa's local elections delivered a sharp setback to the ruling African National Congress as partial results showed falling support for the party.
Early results showed the ruling party supporters might have stayed away, allowing the opposition Democratic Alliance to gain more support than in previous elections.
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South Africa's ruling party the African National Congress has recorded its worst electoral performance in twenty-two years.
The opposition Democratic Alliance is projected to sweep the major metropolitan areas, which are seen as key battleground states.
But with about eighty percent of the vote counted, the African National Congress remains ahead nationwide.
Unemployment and corruption scandals surrounding President Jacob Zuma have tarnished the ruling party's image.
The municipal election result is probably the biggest wake-up call the governing African National Congress party has received since it ushered in democracy in South Africa in 1994.
The results are expected to open up a new era of local coalition politics in South Africa.
Michael Baleke, Kampala.