Dignitaries start arriving ahead of President’s inauguration

Dignitaries start arriving ahead of President’s inauguration

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Dignitaries have started arriving in the country ahead of the inauguration of the President of South Africa.

Most of leaders who will be attending the ceremony tomorrow are from the SADC region.

The heads of state and governments who will attend the inauguration are from different countries in the SADC region and leaders of the regional organisations in Africa.

The African Union (AU) will be represented by Commission chairperson Musa Faki Mahamat.

Cuba has sent its vice President, Salvador Valdés Mesa, while other countries around the world will be represented by their ambassadors and high commissioners.

Presidential Inauguration | Foreign Dignitaries arriving in SA ahead of Ramaphosa’s induction: 

Elections free and fair says Aspen Pharmacare executive

Elections free and fair says Aspen Pharmacare executive

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Dr Stavros Nicolau, Senior Executive Director of Aspen Pharmacare and member of the BRICS business council, says it is important to note that elections in South Africa were free and fair.

Speaking exclusively to SABC, Nicolaou says constitutional democracy was upheld during the elections.

“Positive signs for me. They are good for business because business wants stability, business wants constitutional democracy. Business needs predictability in which to operate. So, those are all very good signs, in respect of that. Of course, we are now moving into the world of coalitions and partnerships and I think business is keeping an active watching brief on that and we will continue to do so,” he says.

Business describes last week’s election results as unexpected: Dr Stavros Nicolaou

South Africans’ will prevails in recent elections: Observers

South Africans’ will prevails in recent elections: Observers

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The will of South Africans has prevailed in the recent general elections. This sentiment was echoed by electoral observation missions like SADC and the African Union during their media briefing in Boksburg on Friday.

A watershed moment as South Africa’s national and provincial elections were given thumbs up by electoral observers who crisscrossed the country to ensure that the polls complied with international standards.

AU Election Observation Mission head, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the IEC for hosting peaceful elections.

“During our observations, we have witnessed the vibrancy of the South African democracy and support by the strong institutions, competitiveness, and inclusive democratic practices,” Kenyatta says.

The head of the SADC Election Observation Mission in South Africa, Enock Kavindele has raised concerns about incidents of political violence during special voting. Kavindele also says that some polling stations were inaccessible to people living with disabilities.

“Only a few isolated incidents of political violence were reported. It was a concern of the stakeholders that incidences prevented special voting and final campaign events in other areas. Apart from these isolated incidences observers deployed across the country witnessed numerous peaceful well well-planned and highly attended political rallies.”

SADC observes commend SA for peaceful elections:

Meanwhile, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) has hailed the IEC for running elections so efficiently.

EISA head of Election Observation Mission and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has, however, raised issues that he says can be rectified in the future.

“Concerns we further raise about the secrecy of the ballot for the home visit due to the proximity of the voters and staff due to the layout of the house because the homes are quite tied,” says Jonathan.

South Africa has also been encouraged to enact laws that will promote gender parity, to ensure that women are well represented in the political parties list.

Stalwarts vote, praise IEC for smooth elections

Stalwarts vote, praise IEC for smooth elections

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A number of stalwarts have come out to vote. They have also praised the Electoral Commission of South Africa for ensuring that the heavily contested elections take place.

Stakes are high as millions of eligible South Africans went to vote across the length and breadth of the country.

The prominent leaders who fought against Apartheid led by example and came out in numbers to vote.

Former President Thabo Mbeki voted at the Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg, the same polling station once used by former President Nelson Mandela.

Mbeki has appealed for political tolerance.  “It’s very important for all…leadership will play its role,” says Mbeki.

Video: 2024 Elections – ANC must renew itself: Mbeki

Anti-Apartheid activist Sophie de Bruyn also echoed the sentiment, saying people should abide by the law.

“I would appeal to all…in our country,”

Video: 2024 Elections – Sophie De Bruyn casts her vote

In these polls, one of the dominant issues among political parties has been the Palestine question.

Mbeki says the plight of Palestinians must not be forgotten. “There must be a solution…I think we must persist.”

Meanwhile, former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, who once served as the Executive Director of United Nations Women, says this is such a critical moment for the country.

“It’s always a woman’s vote…these important laws.”

Video: 2024 Elections – Mlambo-Ngcuka says she hopes there will be no violence

Electoral observation teams are also on the ground monitoring electoral processes and now the focus will be on the results of the polls.

International observers praise the IEC

International observers praise the IEC

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is hosting electoral observers from around the world, who are keenly observing its activities as today marks the second and final day of special voting, with general elections set for tomorrow.

The IEC has received praise for being one of the most successful electoral bodies globally and has been called upon to assist other nations in conducting free, fair, and credible elections.

Uganda’s Electoral Commission representative, Bukenya Paul, emphasized the collaborative relationship between the electoral bodies of Uganda and South Africa.

“We have come to observe the general elections here in South Africa. The election commission in Uganda and South Africa have been learning from each other and sharing experiences. There are a lot of things to learn about how the IEC has progressed in election management. So we are here for pure learning and to see how processes are managed and celebrate with South Africa on this landmark,” Paul stated.

Head of the political science department at Moscow University, Arthur Demchuk, highlighted the similarities between the electoral systems of South Africa and Russia.

“What I got today I got an impression that the electoral systems of South Africa and Russia are similar. For instance, half of our Parliament is elected with proportionate election. There are a lot of similarities. So we have very much in common and I think it is very important to keep in touch to maintain contacts and to try and improve our electoral systems with the help of exchange of experience,” Demchuk said.

2024 Elections | IEC hosts international observers