With nearly all the votes counted in the South Africa elections, the African National Congress has received less than 50 percent of the vote, leading to the likely formation of a coalition government. In response, Patrick Gaspard, president of the Center for American Progress and former U.S. ambassador to South Africa, issued a statement.
"Congratulations to the people of South Africa who continue to model commitment to democratic values with free and inclusive elections. While coalition governance presents challenges, this moment will hopefully lead to the formation of a government of national unity that will focus on the overwhelming challenge of economic disparity that has been inadequately addressed post-apartheid."
Gaspard emphasized that this transition is an opportunity to strengthen U.S.-South Africa relations. "The United States must remain committed to supporting South Africa’s democratic institutions and economic growth. Congress should renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has been instrumental in creating thousands of jobs in South Africa and other African nations," he said. "The United States also must continue its partnerships that have helped to modernize South Africa’s health care systems, curb climate change, and confront inequality. This is an opportunity to further our shared goals and strengthen our bilateral relationship."
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].
