Ramaphosa cautions against threats of violence, instability in wake of election results

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against threats of violence and instability following the declaration of the election result.

Writing in his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa has called for responsible leadership and constructive engagement.
 
This week is set to kick-off with multiple talks across party lines as the African National Congress (ANC) looks to form a majority government with opposition partners after its most bruising defeat at the polls, which has seen it lose its majority for the first time since democracy. 

Ramaphosa said that citizens must stand firm against any attempts to undermine the constitutional order for which many sacrificed their lives. 
 
He said that whatever challenges the country may face as political events unfold, they should be dealt with in a spirit of cooperation and in line with the rule of law.

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 His appeal comes off the back of remarks by his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, who warned the Electoral Commission (IEC) not to "provoke anger" by declaring an election result after raising objections to the process. 
 
Ramaphosa said that despite the massive logistical undertaking and the challenges it faced, the Electoral Commission had acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism and integrity. 

He said that now more than ever, the country needed to put its differences aside to work together for the common good.