President Ramaphosa Praises 'Strong And Robust' Democracy Of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday praised the "strong and robust" democracy of South Africa after 16 million citizens voted in the National and Provincial Elections.

The president addressed the nation in his weekly newsletter and said this election has been declared free and fair. He said the entire election process took place peacefully and without serious incidents of intimidation or violence.

He went on to credit the Electoral Commission, political parties and especially South African people for participating in free and fair elections.

"By discharging this important civic duty, South Africans have done more than exercise their right to vote. They have shown that they continue to hold our democratic order and our Constitution in high regard," he said, SA News reported. "This successful poll shows that our democracy is strong, that it is robust and that it endures."

Talking about the election results, no party has won with a majority in the National Assembly. Hence, Ramaphosa said this presents a "new phase in our democratic journey" where "political parties will have to strive in earnest to find common ground as we work to rebuild our country."

The president noted that every political party carries a mandate based on the commitments they made to the electorate, adding that all parties share an overarching mandate to build a country that is inclusive, united and prosperous.

He emphasized that South Africa at this moment requires responsible leadership and constructive engagement, stressing that there is no place for threats of violence or instability.

While Ramaphosa mentioned no serious incidents of intimidation or violence took place during the elections, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said on Sunday that the police arrested 90 people over the three days of South African elections that took place last week.

The president in his address urged South Africans to protect the country's constitutional order --South Africa's supreme law -- adding that this constitutional order has been built with hard work after many struggles and sacrifices.

"Whatever challenges we may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in accordance with the prescripts of our Constitution and the rule of law," he added.