Cabinet pleased with electoral process

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Pretoria - Cabinet has expressed satisfaction with the running of the country's fourth democratic election and thanked South Africans for turning out in large numbers to make their mark.

"Cabinet was pleased to note that the general elections that were held went off very well with no major incidents reported," said Government Spokesperson Themba Maseko, briefing reporters on the current administration's last Cabinet meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Mr Maseko said Cabinet was also pleased that South Africans turned out in their numbers to cast their votes. "Thank you South Africa for making our democracy stronger through the ballot box," he said.

Last week, South Africa took to the polls in what was unanimously described by observers as a free and fair election.

The African National Congress won the majority of the votes, securing 264 seats in the National Assembly, the Democratic Alliance received 67 seats, the Congress of the People received 30 seats, while the Inkatha Freedom party received 18.

South Africa's next president will be sworn in at the Union Buildings on 9 May. Currently, 18 Heads of State have confirmed their attendance, most will be from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries.

Mr Maseko congratulated the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for delivering another successful general election in such an efficient and effective manner.