The Economic Freedom Fighters and the Freedom Front Plus were the big winners in the North West, with the EFF increasing its support to 18.64 percent, translating into six seats in the 33-seat legislature. The EFF previously held five seats after the 2014 elections.

The FF Plus also increased its support, from 1.72 percent in 2014 to 4.32 percent, giving it two seats. The Democratic Alliance retained its four seats, but its support dropped from 12.75 percent in 2014 to 11.18 percent.

Political analyst Professor André Duvenhage of the Northwest University in Potchefstroom, said the ANC had been lucky to receive the support it did, given the background leading up to the elections.

The ANC campaign was marred by factional battles. "Generally speaking, I think the election was a success, some parties make inroads. I think the ANC, in some ways, are very lucky for what they did receive given their background.

"I think the Democratic Alliance also performed relatively well given all their internal conflict, and the EFF performed basically so well that they more or less have doubled their previous support," Duvenhage said.

African News Agency (ANA)