holding successful elections
30 July 2006
President Thabo Mbeki has congratulated the Congolese people for
"re-affirming their desire for a peaceful future in a stable and democratic
state by holding successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections", their
first in over 40 years.
President Mbeki also congratulated the Chairperson of the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Rev Apollonaire
Malumalu and his team for delivering a smooth election.
President Mbeki further commended the political leadership of the DRC
particularly the transitional President Joseph Kabila and his Vice-Presidents
Azarias Ruberwa, Jean-Pierre Bemba, Yerodia Ndombasi and Arthur Z'Ahidi Ngoma
for leading the Congolese to this historic event.
"I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Congolese religious community
and all political parties for massively mobilising all sectors of society to
participate in the making of history. South Africa is indeed honoured and
privileged to have been invited to be part of this process.
"We were particularly impressed with the efficiency of the police and other
security agencies that ensured that voting was generally peaceful," said
President Mbeki.
On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of South Africa, the
President wished the Congolese people well on their continued march towards
democracy and pledged South Africa's unwavering support as they begin to chart
a better life for all of the people of the DRC. "We stand ready to welcome them
into the family of progressive and democratic states."
Enquiries:
Vincent Hlongwane
Cell: 082 385 1169
Sam Mkhwanazi
Cell: 083 628 0858
Lindo Nkomonde
Cell: 082 875 9631
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 July 2006
Source: SAPA
