After losing its 30-year majority in the South African elections, the African National Congress (ANC) has started talks with opposition parties to form a stable coalition government. However, the party vowed not to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the coalition talks.
Former President Jacob Zuma's MK party had said that they were ready for coalition talks but with one condition that Ramaphosa would step down from the post.
The ANC won just over 40% of the vote in Wednesday's election. The main opposition Democratic Alliance came second with around 21% of votes.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party was open to all negotiations, even with the main opposition Democratic Alliance. ANC could be flexible though both the parties have ideological differences, said Mbalula.
Talks are also progressing with several smaller opposition parties as well.
South Africa’s new parliament will need to elect a president within 14 days of the election results being declared. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ANC, is seeking a second and final term.
The elections have humbled us, they have brought us where we are, Mbalula said, adding the ANC respected the will of the South African people.
Mbalula said the ANC would not consider the demands by the MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for talks.
Amid many options, the ANC could also join with MK and the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, although they have been cast as partners that would make investors uneasy. Both have pledged to nationalise parts of South Africa's economy, including its gold and platinum mines, among the world's biggest producers.
(With PTI inputs)