South Africa is a founding member of the African Union and as such has acceded to various AU instruments that govern the conduct of democratic elections, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. In this regard, South Africa considers elections as a platform by which the nurturing of governance through the electoral process enhances democracy and builds solid foundations for citizens' full participation in democratic practice.
On 31 July 2013 Zimbabwe's harmonious elections marked an important milestone in the political life of Zimbabwe and for the region as a whole. Holding regular elections remains a marker of progress and the entrenchment of democracy in any country in the world. [Interjections.] The people and the government of Zimbabwe should be commended for their resolve to craft their own destiny ... [Interjections.] ... despite the noted shortcomings they faced relating to preparations ... [Interjections.]