The Election of April 1994

• First voting rights for 16 million black people, with half unable to read, voting slips displayed 19 parties, each with its logo, name, and leader's photograph
• In rural areas, voters walked up to 60 miles to cast their vote; people feared riots in the townships, if the wait was too long but, white and black patiently waited in line, sometimes for hours - the election went peacefully
• ANC won easily with 62%, NP 20%, and Inkatha 10%; although Inkatha won more votes than the ANC in KwaZulu; the ANC's campaign of violence had helped it - back in 1977, more supported Inkatha than the ANC
• The ANC had won under 66% so they would have to wait to change the constitution, ANC officials were secretly happy with whites in the government to blame them for any issues
• Mandela became president in May, de Klerk as deputy president (2 national anthems were played) despite appearances the government was divided, with Inkatha and right-wing whites not wanting full involvement
• It would be difficult to please the communists and keep the support of rich blacks but despite the challenges, most population wanted an end to violence and the new government's success (Mandela was well-respected)
• The ANC was not a new political party (around for over 80 years) and South Africa was richer than most other African countries; this wealth was crucial for the government's needs, e.g. new housing, education, and healthcare