The 2009 South African national and provincial election has come and gone and there is no doubt that the ANC will retain power with a two-thirds majority.

Mercifully, there were hardly any incidents of intimidation or violence. Many foreign observers feel that, on the whole, the elctions were free and fair.

However, I noticed that just about all the smaller parties were trounced. Some analysts are even questioning whether these parties should close shop and maybe join the bigger parties. Partie...