President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on political parties to put the interests of South Africans first when they hold discussions on how government should be constituted.
The president was speaking in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
He urged parties to put their differences aside and work together in the formation of the country’s seventh government administration.
His plea comes after after the announcement of general elections results on Sunday evening, which saw the ANC drop to 40.18% nationally.
Strive to find common ground
It was the first time since 1994 that the ANC’s election support fell below 50%, dealing a big blow to the party’s parliamentary majority, which it has enjoyed since the dawn of democracy.
The DA came in second with 21.81% and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party obtained 14.58%. The EFF was fourth with 9.52%.
Ramaphosa said during their discussions, the parties should demonstrate responsible leadership and constructive engagement devoid of any threats of violence or instability.
“With us now having entered a new phase in our democratic journey, political parties will have to strive in earnest to find common ground as we work to rebuild our country,” Ramaphosa said.
“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.
“This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement. There can be no place for threats of violence or instability.
“South Africans must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order we have worked so hard to build and for which so many have struggled and sacrificed.”
Put differences aside
He continued: “Whatever challenges we may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the prescripts of our constitution and the rule of law.
“Despite the mammoth logistical undertaking and despite a number of challenges it faced, the Independent Electoral Commission once again acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism, and integrity.
“Having achieved yet another milestone on our democratic journey, we should all take pride in our own contribution towards giving meaning to the values and principles of our constitutional democracy.
“As we work as political parties to find each other across the divide in the coming weeks and months, let us demonstrate both in our actions and our utterances that we hold the constitution and the rule of law to be paramount.
“Let us remember that whatever authority, whatever power, we are entrusted with must be exercised to advance the interests of the South African people.
“Now more than ever, we need to put our differences aside and work together for the common good.”
Based on the election results, the ANC will have 159 seats in the National Assembly.
The DA has garnered 87 seats, MK Party 58 seats, EFF 39 seats, IFP 17 seats, and Patriotic Alliance received nine seats. Freedom Front Plus and ActionSA will each have six seats in parliament.
