The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declared the official results during a ceremony at the national Results Operations Centre on Sunday.
Electoral Commission of South Africa Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the 2024 Elections have tested the strength of the country’s institutions, the integrity of systems and the resolve of citizens.
Moepya was speaking at the announcement of the results of the National and Provincial Elections at the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand.
He said that these elections were undoubtedly the most highly contested.
“As a nation, we have emerged triumphant, having conducted these elections with the utmost transparency, fairness and adherence to the highest standards of democratic practice,” Moepya said.
“After carefully considering the extensive measures put in place and acknowledging the provisions of section 57(3) of the Electoral Act 1998, the commission declares the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, free and fair.”
“In any election, the most anxious moments come with the declaration of the election results. South Africa’s nascent democracy has experienced one of the most peaceful electoral periods in recent times.
“For this, we thank all her people. You have enabled us to truly capture a climate in which elections could be held,” he said.
The parties which received the most votes and seats in the 400-member National Assembly are as follows:
South Africans on 29 May voted using three ballots for the first time because of the inclusion of independent candidates on the ballot.
These were the National Ballot, National Regional Ballot and the Provincial Legislature Ballot.
No less than 16 million South Africans made their mark, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%.
The list of elected public representatives was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ceremony.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to officially receive the lists of designated Members of Parliament On Thursday from the IEC in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which he will preside over.