President Ramaphosa Hails Voter Turnout as Proof of SA's Robust Democracy

President Ramaphosa concluded by calling on South Africans to take pride in their contributions to the nation's constitutional democracy.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the 16 million South Africans who cast their votes in the recent National and Provincial Elections, affirming the strength and robustness of the country's democracy.

Addressing the nation, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the elections, which saw South Africans voting for the seventh administration since the dawn of democracy in 1994, were conducted peacefully and declared free and fair. He credited the Electoral Commission, political parties, their leadership, and the South African people for this achievement.

"By discharging this important civic duty, South Africans have done more than exercise their right to vote. They have shown that they continue to hold our democratic order and our Constitution in high regard," Ramaphosa stated, highlighting the importance of the successful poll as a testament to the strength and endurance of the nation's democracy.

Constitutional Order and Political Collaboration

This year's elections resulted in no party winning an outright majority in the National Assembly. President Ramaphosa described this outcome as a significant moment in South Africa's democratic journey, necessitating earnest collaboration among political parties to rebuild the country.

"Although every political party carries a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate, all parties share an overarching mandate to build a country that is inclusive, united, and prosperous," he said. Ramaphosa called for responsible leadership and constructive engagement, denouncing any threats of violence or instability.

He urged all South Africans to uphold and protect the constitutional order, anchored in the rule of law, supported by institutions such as the Independent Electoral Commission, and maintained by an independent judiciary. Ramaphosa emphasized that any political challenges should be addressed through cooperation and adherence to constitutional principles.

Commitment to Constitutional Values

President Ramaphosa concluded by calling on South Africans to take pride in their contributions to the nation's constitutional democracy. He urged political parties to demonstrate their commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law in their actions and utterances.

"Now more than ever, we need to put our differences aside and work together for the common good," he asserted, emphasizing that any authority or power entrusted to political leaders must be exercised in the interest of the South African people.

The recent elections, according to Ramaphosa, mark a new phase in South Africa's democratic evolution, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation to overcome challenges and advance the nation's democratic values.