If not, the assistant returning officers will now close and seal the ballot boxes. The ballot boxes have been closed and sealed. I am now suspending proceedings to enable the returning officers to count the votes and report to me. We shall resume proceedings when the bells are rung. I estimate that it would be about 30 minutes.
Business suspended at 15:27 and resumed at 16:00.
The Chief Justice took the Chair and announced the results of the ballot as follows:
Mr Hamilton Mvumelwano Dandala: 47 Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma: 277
Mr Zuma, accordingly, elected President of the Republic.
The Chief Justice congratulated Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma on his election as President.
The Speaker took the Chair.
The Speaker thanked the Chief Justice for conducting the proceedings. Parties and the President-elect were afforded the opportunity to address the House.