The Electoral Commission wishes to thank the citizens of South Africa for their participation and support in delivering yet another free, fair and peaceful election.
“Twenty five years after our first democratic elections we can proudly say as a nation that we remain firmly rooted in the democratic ideals we adopted in 1994 and our country remains a shining beacon of democracy and human rights for all,” said Chairperson Mr Glen Mashinini on behalf of the Commission.
“Once again South Africa has risen to the occasion and showed the world that our appetite for democracy is unquenchable.”
Mr Mashinini thanked voters who came out in their millions to participate in the elections peacefully, patiently and calmly; voters who climbed mountains and crossed rivers to cast their ballots; voters who waited patiently in queues and who voted late into the night.
“The voters of South Africa showed great maturity and respect for the democratic electoral process. It is because of their participation and commitment to free and fair elections that our democracy continues to thrive and flourish.”
Mr Mashinini also expressed the Commission’s gratitude to staff of the Electoral Commission and the 200 000 volunteers who had served as election officials with distinction and integrity.
“The Commission is enormously proud of the hard work, commitment and dedication of the officials who have worked tirelessly for over two years in preparing and delivery yet another successful election. South Africa owes you all a debt of gratitude.”
The Commission also expressed its thanks to the 78 political parties which contested the elections for their cooperation and support along with the state security agencies and especially the South African Police Services which ensured the election was peaceful and orderly.
The Commission is grateful to Parliament and the Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs for their support and assistance throughout our preparations and especially for expediting the passing of amendments to the electoral laws necessary for these elections.
The Commission offers its thanks and appreciation to government and the Executive – and especially the Minister of Home Affairs and Chairperson of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Elections Dr Siyabonga Cwele - for all their support along with key partners and sponsors Telkom, SABC and Sasol.
Mr Mashinini said the Commission would immediately begin a national process of debriefing and introspection to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the election.
“Each election presents us with a sterner test of our people, processes and systems. We must continue to raise the bar and set new benchmarks for electoral excellence. Over the coming weeks and months we will take the many lessons from these elections and translate them into enhancements and improvements for the next elections scheduled for 2021,” he said.
For media queries:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 082 600-6386
E-mail: spokesperson@elections.org.za
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