The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) today announced election results following Wednesday's poll, showing the African National Congress (ANC) has scored a resounding victory.

IEC Chairperson, Brigalia Bam said the results showed that 15 years after the first election, the emotions, the enthusiasm and commitment and quest for democracy remains the same. "I have the honour to present the results of the 2009 national and provincial elections. (Please see the Elections Results homepage on www.elections.org.za for results and seat allocation)

"In terms of Section 57 of the Elections Act 73 of 1998, the Election Commission of South Africa is proud to declare the 2009 national and provincial elections free and fair and that they reflect the will of South African voters.

Likening voting to an orchestra of democracy, Bam said the 2009 election showed that the central tenet of a fledgling democracy and its sustenance rested squarely on public participation.

"Voting, at all levels of government, is the most important means of ensuring freedom. By simply casting a vote, we participated in one of the greatest democracies the world has ever seen. One note in the symphony of an orchestra has been played.

"We as the Electoral Commission are proud to serve as the medium or conduit through which the people express their participation in our fledgling democracy. We are just one of the notes in an orchestra of democracy.

"We cannot and could not have organised these elections without the support of our government, the people of South Africa and political parties.

"We as the IEC wish to congratulate South Africans for demonstrating their strong commitment to peace and democracy, and commend parties and candidates for the peaceful manner in which they conducted their campaigns.

The IEC pledges its continued support for the government and people of South Africa as we embark on another step aimed at strengthening the foundations of our democracy and strengthen our place in the community of nations.

"We emphasise the importance of all parties continuing to work together in a spirit of cooperation and compromise in order to consolidate progress made during the 15 years of democracy to enable our country to move forward into a more prosperous future.

The peaceful situation that prevailed during three weeks of campaigning had confounded earlier predictions that it would be marked by violence. It has now been proven that the predictions were false.

Congratulating the youth, Dr Bam said, "Our youth have lived to the IEC's brand essence for Election 2009, which is "To the future."

"Our democracy is the big winner in these elections. All the parties are winners today. Like footballers at the end of the game, they must hug each other and exchange jerseys. I wish to congratulate the future ruling party and those who will be occupying the opposition benches.

To everyone I say: Remember that voting is one note in the symphony of democracy. The symphony - like democracy - is incomplete without the other notes.

Democracy is hard work. Voting, just a single note in an orchestra of democracy: How can that be? Free and fair elections, freedom of expression, equality before the law and due process are all aspects of democracy that we should not forget.