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S. African gov't says "pleased" with peaceful local elections

Xinhua, August 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

The South African government on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the just-concluded local government elections, which "were peaceful and took place in an atmosphere of political tolerance".

The government is pleased that voting in the 2016 Municipal Election proceeded smoothly and without major incidents, said Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Des van Rooyen, who is also the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Elections.

He congratulated the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for delivering yet another successful election.

The demonstration of active citizenship and patriotism displayed by countless South Africans who voted on Wednesday "is an indication of a strengthened democracy and their actions are truly inspirational", Van Rooyen said in a statement.

Most of the 26.3 million registered voters cast their ballots at 22,612 voting stations countrywide to elect mayors and councilors in all 213 municipalities.

The elections were seen by many as being the most contested since 1994. For the first time in history, this election saw 200 political parties and over 61,000 candidates participating.

"The large voter turnout is testament to the strength of our democracy. We commend the patience of South Africans who conducted themselves in a dignified manner as they waited to cast their ballots," the minister said.

The government, he said, applauds the youth, especially the first time voters, for their commitment towards advancing democracy.

He also lauded all law enforcement agencies for for their sterling work, which ensured that elections were held in an environment that is safe and secure.

"The resounding success of the elections have undoubtedly added to the country's legacy of regular and peaceful elections," said the minister.

Now that South Africans have spoken through the ballot, the government encourages all citizens to work together with those who will have been elected to public offices to strengthen local governments, he said. Endit