By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Amazulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has commended political parties for engaging in a peaceful election process without the blood of innocent citizens being shed.
South Africans went to the polls on 29 May 2024 in the seventh democratic elections. A total of 16 248 027 citizens exercised their Constitutional right to vote.
The elections were declared free and fair by the Electoral Commission in a ceremony held to announce the official election results on Sunday.
Political parties have started discussions on forming coalitions because there’s no outright winner in this year’s elections.
On Saturday at the Results Operation Center, leader of the MK Party leader Jacob Zuma had cautioned the IEC not to release the results until all claims of vote tampering were addressed, saying that failing to do so would be seen as an incitement by his followers.
The instruction was issued barely one day after the results of the general elections held last week were published by the IEC on Sunday night amid fears of violence if it continued with its plans.
In a statement issued by Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Nation and Monarch the King further instructed izinduna in hostels around Gauteng and Durban to report any attempts aimed at instigating violence, instability, and lawlessness.
“His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has applauded the Independent Electoral Commission for ensuring and organizing a free, fair, and credible election. His Majesty commends all political parties for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the campaign and on election day.
“His Majesty calls upon law enforcement agencies to deal firmly with those who seek to cause instability and mayhem in the aftermath of the election results.His Majesty is confident that all political leaders will commit themselves to respect the outcomes of the elections and to play their part in promoting peace, development, and stability.”
Buthelezi said King Misuzulu was confident that all political leaders would commit themselves to respecting the outcome of the elections and to play their part in promoting peace, development, and stability.
Africa’s largest economy, according to IMF predictions, shrank by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the three months through end-March, according to Statistics SA. This followed on a tepid 0.3% growth in the last quarter of last year.