South Africa's First Democratic Election
South Africans of all races voted for the first time in fully democratic elections
April 27, 1994
The End of Apartheid at the Ballot Box
On April 27, 1994, South Africa held its first fully democratic election, in which all citizens regardless of race could vote for the first time. For decades, the apartheid system had denied Black, Colored, and Indian South Africans the right to participate in national elections. The transition to democracy had been negotiated over four years following the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the unbanning of the African National Congress. Many feared the transition would be accompanied by widespread violence, but the election proceeded largely peacefully, a remarkable outcome given the country's history.
Millions Queue to Vote
The scenes at polling stations on April 27 moved observers around the world. Long lines of voters — many elderly South Africans who had waited their entire lives for this moment — stretched for miles outside polling stations. Some waited up to eight hours to cast their ballots. Voting was extended over multiple days because of the overwhelming turnout. The mood was one of joy and historic significance. International observers, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, declared the election free and fair. The African National Congress won 62 percent of the vote.
Mandela Becomes President
Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president on May 10, 1994. His inauguration was attended by leaders from around the world. In his speech, Mandela pledged to build a "rainbow nation" in which all South Africans would have equal rights and opportunities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established after the election, attempted to heal the wounds of apartheid through public testimony and conditional amnesty for those who confessed their crimes. April 27 is now celebrated in South Africa as Freedom Day. Use the age calculator to see how long South Africa's democracy has lasted.