South Africa’s second democratic elections in June 1999 represented an important step on that country’s path to “normality,” to political pluralism, as opposed to the racial oligarchy of the past. At the same time, the clear victory of the African National Congress (ANC) underscored the dominant-party nature of South African politics. Despite the party’s overwhelming victory, however, it had to contend with a number of challenges, most notably from within its Eastern Cape heartland. This article explores the nature of party competition in the Border Corridor of the province by examining both the 1999 election results and the results of a detailed opinion survey conducted in the area in late 1998. Sandwiched between the former homelands of the Transkei and Ciskei, the corridor is of considerable importance given its geographical location and political history. The district encompasses greater East London, the provincial capital of Bisho, and King Williams Town.