{
  "id": 18359079,
  "title": "EFF should rethink political strategy amid electoral decline: Analyst",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/eff-should-rethink-political-strategy-amid-electoral-decline-analyst",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T19:40:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/eff-needs-to-rethink-its-political-strategy-amid-electoral-decline/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Political analyst Dr Kuhle Zwakala suggests the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) must revamp its political strategy as its electoral backing continues to wane. The EFF garnered 8.31% of the vote in 2016's local government elections, and 10.17% four years later. With around 5.9% of the national vote, based on results from 54% of voting districts, the party is currently at a crossroads. Dr Zwakala asserts the party must revive its brand and stop relying on predictable messaging. He notes the EFF has not implemented any of its promised policies, and thus, changing their message appears pointless at this point. Considering there are over 51 political parties, each trying to cut through the noise, Zwakala presses the EFF to question their current messaging and what sets them apart. The EFF previously decided not to participate in municipal governments, claiming they lacked a mandate to govern. Dr Zwakala believes this stance has cost the party potential opportunities to demonstrate its governance abilities and consolidate voter support. Additionally, the party's stance on immigration is under scrutiny. Amid growing anti-immigration protests, Dr Zwakala believes the EFF should reconsider its position on immigration, which has caused internal disagreements. He stresses the importance of adhering to the law when managing immigration and opposing political narratives that attempt to alter this stance. Lastly, Dr Zwakala remarks that the EFF's election campaign has been less impressive compared to its previous high-profile efforts, attributing this to fatigue and a lack of fresh ideas.",
  "summary": "Dr Zwakala believes the EFF has become predictable and needs to rejuvenate its political brand.",
  "key_points": [
    "EFF's electoral support has declined from 10.17% in 2019 to around 5.9% in recent elections.",
    "Analyst Dr Kuhle Zwakala recommends revamping EFF's political strategy and messaging.",
    "Party's stance on immigration and lack of policy implementation are under scrutiny."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}