As the curtain closed on another chapter of South Africa’s 2024 elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Electoral Commission (IEC) managed to pull off another “successful” election.
Speaking on Sunday at the results announcement ceremony at the IEC’s national results operation centre in Midrand, Ramaphosa said South Africans demonstrated that they wanted to be part of making the country a better place. Demonstrating responsibility
He said South Africans demonstrated how important their vote was, and they knew that it counted.
“By voting, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for themselves and their families but for the future of their country.”
“Through their votes, they have demonstrated clearly and plainly that our democracy is strong, robust, and endures. They have enacted the clarion call that has resonated across generations: that the people shall govern. Our people have spoken,” he said.
Ramaphosa said leaders of political parties, as well as all those who hold positions of responsibility in society, must hear the voices of the people and respect their wishes.
Robust democracy
Throughout the election campaign, parties and candidates had at times differed, often forcefully, and expressed a wide variety of views that were often at odds with each other, he said.
“This is a welcome and necessary feature of a robust democracy. Yet, throughout the election campaign, parties and candidates have held fast to the fundamental principles of democracy.”
“Parties and candidates have affirmed the right of voters to participate in an election that is free, fair, and peaceful. And now, we are all called upon to recognise that the results of the election reflect the will of the people.”
Finding common ground
He said that the people of South Africa expected their leaders to work together to meet their needs, which the election had made clear. He added that they expected the parties for which they had voted to find common ground, overcome their differences, and act and work together for the good of all.
According to Ramaphosa, voters expected all parties to cooperate within the parameters of the constitution and resolve any issues peacefully and in line with its principles and rule of law.
He said that each party emerged from this election with a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate. “However, all the parties share an overarching mandate: to work in partnership with each other and with society more broadly, to build a country that is inclusive, united, and prosperous.”
“As we take up our seats in Parliament and in the provincial legislatures, let us appreciate that the seats we occupy do not belong to us.
“They belong to the people. Whatever authority or power we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the people,” Ramaphosa said.
