The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat congratulated South African President and African National Congress leader Cyril Ramaphosa for the victory of the ruling party in the recently held elections at national and provincial levels.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mahamat alsocongratulated South Africans for demonstrating their commitment to democracy, peace and stability.
“The Chairperson notes that the African Union Election Observation Mission and other international observers concluded that eligible voters were able to cast their votes in a peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible manner,” the statement read in part.
Mahamat also commended the political parties that participated in the elections, contributing to the growth of the country’s democracy.
“The Chairperson of the Commission reaffirms the solidarity and support of the African Union to the Government and people of South Africa and wishes them every success in their efforts to nurture and deepen democratic and participatory governance in their country,” Mahamat’s statement read in conclusion.
The ANC emerged victorious in the elections, winning 55.5% of the parliamentary vote, according to provisional results from 99.9% of polling districts. Despite its win, however, this is the ANC’s worst performance since white minority rule ended in 1994.
The 2019 elections saw the ANC face its biggest challenge yet, with a notable portion of the electorate expressing anger at corruption scandals and entrenched racial inequalities.
Ramaphosa’s first full presidential term is expected to start later in May, following nomination by his party’s parliamentary caucus and an inauguration ceremony.
