Mbeki hails DRC elections

2006-08-01 10:57

Johannesburg - President Thabo Mbeki on Tuesday praised weekend elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, pledging his country's "unwavering support" for the democratic process there.

Mbeki said the Congolese people "re-affirmed their desire for a peaceful future in a stable and democratic state by holding successful presidential and parliamentary elections.

"I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Congolese religious community and all political parties for massively mobilising all sectors of society to participate in the making of history".

Mbeki paid particular tribute to the DRC's transitional leadership - President Joseph Kabila and his vice-presidents Azarias Ruberwa, Jean-Pierre Bemba, Yerodia Ndombasi and Arthur Z'Ahidi Ngoma and the country's Independent Electoral Commission.

Inhabitants of the vast central African country, ravaged by decades of war, on Sunday voted for a new president and parliament in the country's first multi-party elections since independence from Belgium 46 years ago.

Mbeki, whose country was intensely involved in the DRC's peace process, said he was "particularly impressed with the efficiency of the police and other security agencies who ensured that voting was generally peaceful".

He wished the Congolese people well on their "continued march to democracy and pledged South Africa's unwavering support as they began to chart a better life for all of the people in the DRC.

"We stand ready to welcome them into the family of progressive and democratic states". The results of the DRC elections were not expected until August 31.

- AFP