[1] Acting president Cyril Ramaphosa of the ruling African National Congress won the election unopposed due to no other party nominating a candidate.

[2] Following the announcement of the resignation of President Jacob Zuma late on 14 February 2018,[3] and official receipt of a letter of resignation by the Speaker of Parliament during the morning of 15 February,[4] Parliament was convened to elect a new president.

[5] The President of South Africa is elected by the members of the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament.

[6] In a press conference before the session, Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced that his party will not participate in the election.

Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of the African National Congress and Acting President since Zuma's resignation,[4] was the only nominee.