in South African poll
25 April 2009
The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced
election results following Wednesdayâs poll, showing the African National
Congress (ANC) has scored a resounding victory.
IEC chairperson, Brigalia Bam said the results showed that 15 years after
the first election, the emotions, the enthusiasm and commitment and quest for
democracy remains the same. âI have the honour to present the results of the
2009 national and provincial elections. (Please see the elections results
homepage on www.elections.org.za for results and seat allocation)
âIn terms of Section 57 of the Elections Act 73 of 1998, the Independent
Electoral Commission of South Africa is proud to declare the 2009 national and
provincial elections free and fair and that they reflect the will of South
African voters.
Likening voting to an orchestra of democracy, Bam said the 2009 election
showed that the central tenet of a fledgling democracy and its sustenance
rested squarely on public participation.
âVoting, at all levels of government, is the most important means of
ensuring freedom. By simply casting a vote, we participated in one of the
greatest democracies the world has ever seen. One note in the symphony of an
orchestra has been played.
âWe as the Electoral Commission are proud to serve as the medium or conduit
through which the people express their participation in our fledgling
democracy. We are just one of the notes in an orchestra of democracy.
âWe cannot and could not have organised these elections without the support
of our government, the people of South Africa and political parties.
âWe as the IEC wish to congratulate South Africans for demonstrating their
strong commitment to peace and democracy, and commend parties and candidates
for the peaceful manner in which they conducted their campaigns.
The IEC pledges its continued support for the government and people of South
Africa as we embark on another step aimed at strengthening the foundations of
our democracy and strengthen our place in the community of nations.
âWe emphasise the importance of all parties continuing to work together in a
spirit of co-operation and compromise in order to consolidate progress made
during the 15 years of democracy to enable our country to move forward into a
more prosperous future.
The peaceful situation that prevailed during three weeks of campaigning had
confounded earlier predictions that it would be marked by violence. It has now
been proven that the predictions were false.
Congratulating the youth, Dr Bam said, âOur youth have lived to the IECâs
brand essence for election 2009, which is âto the future.â
âOur democracy is the big winner in these elections. All the parties are
winners today. Like footballers at the end of the game, they must hug each
other and exchange jerseys. I wish to congratulate the future ruling party and
those who will be occupying the opposition benches.
To everyone I say: Remember that voting is one note in the symphony of
democracy. The symphony like democracy is incomplete without the other
notes.
Democracy is hard work. Voting, just a single note in an orchestra of
democracy: How can that be? Free and fair elections, freedom of expression,
equality before the law and due process are all aspects of democracy that we
should not forget.
For media queries please contact:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 082 600 6386
Issued by: Independent Electoral Commission
25 April 2009
Source: Independent Electoral Commission (http://www.elections.org.za)
