As the counting process unfolds, Government Communication and Information System acting director-general Nomonde Mnukwa has on Thursday urged the public to refrain from sharing information in the form of pictures and videos that seek to declare elections results or incite violence pertaining to elections results.

Mnukwa explained that election results will be announced officially by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), as the body that is legally mandated to announce elections results, she said.

South Africans voted on Wednesday in what has been termed the most crucial election the country has held since the transition to democracy, with the governing African National Congress widely expected to lose its majority.

Government noted that successfully holding the election was a clear sign that South Africa had concluded another milestone in its democratic journey with the election characterised by high voter turnout, which, she said, affirmed that citizens were exercising their fundamental Constitutional responsibility of voting.

She added that this election, characterised by a visibly high level of participation, coinciding as it did with the celebrations of 30 years of freedom and democracy, affirmed the fundamental constitutional responsibility of voting as a true symbol representing the voice of the nation.

Mnukwa said the conduct of the electorate during this process had been exemplary, which was a testament to the founding principles of the country’s democracy and a reflection of a nation acknowledged globally as carrying out “regular, credible electoral” processes since 1994. 

She noted that the active participation of citizens was indeed a cornerstone of the country’s democratic process, which she said would go a long way in building a vibrant and representative nation.

Mnukwa added that the voting process by the IEC across all correctional services facilities concluded without significant issues.

“…this is an important milestone for a democratic country, ensuring that eligible voters, including the incarcerated, participate in the electoral process. The synergy amongst correctional officials in preparing inmates and ushering them to the voting stations made it possible for the IEC to guarantee a seamless and secure voting experience for inmates,” she added.

Mnukwa noted that since the dawn of democracy, South Africa’s general elections had been viewed as “free and fair” by domestic and international observers, and this she said served as encouragement for the country to continue to uphold the integrity of the electoral processes.

Government acknowledged the invaluable contributions of community leaders, elections officials, volunteers, and all who played various roles in facilitating successful elections. 

She highlighted that the election was also marked by a record number of political parties, as well as independent candidates for the first time, which she said was a reflection of the country’s maturing multiparty democracy.

“The cooperation by all political parties is a demonstration of the collective spirit of ensuring that all citizens exercise their democratic right to vote,” she said.

Mnukwa said government reiterated that there would be no power vacuum on the country’s journey to the establishment of the seventh democratic administration, adding that whilst the country awaits the outcomes of the 2024 national and provincial elections, government will continue to execute its constitutional mandate of providing services to all South Africans.