SA is a thriving democracy: IEC
The IEC has described this year's local government elections as the toughest to date. Final results were released last night and it was announced that 15 million South Africans voted this year.
Despite challenges, the Independent Electoral Commission says Wednesday's elections were free and fair - sentiments that were echoed by observer missions.
IEC Chair, Glen Mashinini, says the 2016 elections cemented the organisation's integrity.
"These elections were a litmus test for both the Electoral Commission of South Africa and South Africa", says Mashinini. Many questions were asked about the integrity of the Electoral Commission".
"Many questions were being asked about the integrity of the Electoral Commission. We have indeed send a message to our own people and the world that South Africa is a thriving democracy", Mashinini concludes.
Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma has applauded the IEC on a job well done.
"South Africa is a thriving democracy where differences of political opinion and diverse political preferences are allowed to flourish", says Zuma.