As the people of the Republic of South Africa gear up to cast their votes in the 7th general election held under universal adult suffrage since the end of the Apartheid era, the Pan-African Parliament conveys its best wishes for the holding of free, fair, and credible elections on Wednesday 29th May, 2024.
The Pan African Parliament recognises that periodic elections are a necessary and indispensable element of sustained efforts to protect the rights and interests of the governed. In that regard, the right of every person to participate in choosing the government of his or her country, is a crucial factor in the effective enjoyment by all of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
We, therefore, commend the Government, the respective political parties and people of the Republic of South Africa for exercising and actively promoting tolerance and respect for divergent political opinions and, in so doing, creating a conducive environment for the multiplicity of political parties to campaign without hinderance in the lead up to the elections.
We implore the people of South Africa and all political parties to continue with this same spirit of restraint as they cast their votes tomorrow and, subsequently, while awaiting the results of the plebiscite. We are confident that the outcome of the elections, whose battle was fought in the arena of ideology and not physically, will be a genuine reflection of the will of the people which must be respected. Long Live the Rainbow Nation!! Long Live Pluralistic Democracy!
H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira
PRESIDENT OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT
