Gallagher Estates, Midrand, 11 March 2009
The Chairperson and CEO of the Independent Electoral Commission,
Leaders of Political parties,
Members of the judiciary,
Religious Leaders,
Members of the Diplomatic corps,
Fellow South Africans,
It is 15 years since our people won the right to vote through a hard fought struggle.
Since, then our country has become a mature democracy, with a rich tradition of popular engagement in the political process.
As the African National Congress, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm with which South Africans from all works of life are approaching these elections.
Already there is a dynamic and robust debate among parties, and among citizens, which can only serve to enrich our national life and deepen democratic practice. Elections are a powerful barometer of checking how democratic a country is.
It also highlights the importance of the notion of accountability, as that is the only process that can change a government peacefully and smoothly. People should begin to understand the significance of elections especially in a democracy like ours.
Naturally, the ANC will abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct. It is in our interest and that of all citizens to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections.
In each election, the voters of this country have demonstrated their unequivocal rejection of all forms of political violence or intolerance, apart from a tiny minority. We are confident of a peaceful, hassle free election everywhere, including KwaZulu-Natal where there were incidents recently.
The President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Umntwana Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi and I met recently and publicly declared that we will work for peaceful elections. We have directed our leaders on the ground in KwaZulu-Natal to comply with our undertaking.
It is not surprising that we have had peaceful elections since 1994 as political tolerance is the cornerstone upon which this democracy was founded.
South Africans put aside a history of conflict, and put South Africa first through a successful negotiated settlement in 1994.
In just a few days, South Africans will determine the direction this country will take over the next five years. They will do so, knowing that though we have achieved much in the first 15 years of freedom; we still have a long road to travel.
They will do so, knowing that no matter the difficulties we may face now or in the future, if we work together as a nation, we will be able to overcome them. The people of South Africa will freely express themselves on the mandate that should be given to the next government of this country. We are overwhelmed by the new awakening in the country, a new enthusiasm that sees stadiums, halls and hotels filling up beyond their capacities, as people express their interest in the democratic process of our country.
On April 22nd, our people will lay the foundation for a new partnership between the people and their representatives. It will be a partnership built on a shared determination to make South Africa prosperous and just. A partnership borne out of a common conviction that this country belongs to all who live in it, and that all should equally share in its wealth and its opportunity.
This should be a partnership that sees political parties that will be represented in parliament working together constructively and in unity, after the elections, on issues that are in the national interest.
One example is the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the global economic crisis which will impact on our country in one way or another.
These need no political squabbling, but unity and collaboration by all of us, for the common good of our country.
As a nation, we have achieved much. Working together we can do more. Let us work together to make the elections as peaceful and as successful as all previous ones.
I thank you.
Issued by:
African National Congress