Original Ballot Paper 1994 South Africa first democratic election

Millions queued in lines over a three day voting period. Altogether 19 726 579 votes were counted and 193 081 were rejected as invalid. The African National Congress, whose slate incorporated the labour confederation COSATU and the South African Communist Party, fell short of a two-thirds majority. ANC leaders opted to form a tripartite Government of National Unity with the National Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party.

The date 27 April is now a public holiday in South Africa, Freedom Day.