Over 70 countries around the globe will hold elections this year in what will be a huge test for democracy with implications for policy, geopolitics and ultimately businesses. South Africa is one of these countries, with its national and provincial elections due to take place this year.

For the first time since the end of apartheid in South Africa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party is poised to lose its governing majority. While corruption and poverty are often cited for the setback the ANC is expected to face in elections later this month, its electoral fate is also closely tied to its performance on land issues.

With the voter counts now completed and the African National Congress (ANC) support having fallen sharply to just 40% support, some form of a coalition government will likely govern South Africa. The nature of such a coalition arrangement will likely emerge in the coming days and weeks.