http://africa.oneworld.net/article/archive/4626 en_GB Before the 1994 elections, which led to the adoption of the democratic Constitution in 1996, the majority of South Africans were denied all political rights and excluded from the socio-economic development process. A racially divided country which has experienced animosity and violence for the past 200 years is attempting gradually to gain tolerance and reconstruction. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was specifically formed in 1995 to expose the truth of the apartheid era and to contribute to the healing of the nation. During the following decade, efforts have been made to consolidate democracy and encourage active citizenship in the Executive and Legislative. The incumbent president, Thabo Mbeki, despite having won a landslide victory in the 2004 elections, is still criticised for not dealing appropriately with key issues such as HIV/AIDS, foreign economic relations as well as the diplomatic potential of South Africa in the region. http://africa.oneworld.net/link/gotolink/addhit/63987 The South African Constitution provides the space for individuals and groups to strengthen democracy through active citizenship. This includes submissions to Parliament on legislation, attending public hearings at Parliament, joining a political party or other organisation or engaging in public protest. Public interest litigation can also be a form of advocacy and is illustrated by the example is this article. http://africa.oneworld.net/link/gotolink/addhit/62843 South Africa's neutrality and history give it a moral authority in Africa that many richer countries (and former colonial powers) can't claim. From Burundi to Cote d'Ivoire, Congo, and Darfur, President Thabo Mbeki has drawn on this standing to try to spread peace across the continent in 2004, demonstrating to the world that Africa can be relied upon to solve its own problems. http://africa.oneworld.net/link/gotolink/addhit/53714 South Africans are in the process of electing a new government. A statement from the Indpendent Electrol Commission (IEC) of South Africa, stated that "South Africa's third democratic elections began in earnest on Monday 12th April 2004, when about 93 000 special voters cast their votes throughout the country." From SA Government online http://africa.oneworld.net/article/view/83628/1/4626 HIV/AIDS could have a negative effect on people's ability to vote, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga, democracy think tank Idasa has warned. http://africa.oneworld.net/article/view/83662/1/4626 Thousands of South Africans have cast their vote in the 2004 elections. The most notable voter was former South African president and international statesman, Nelson Mandela. The Independent Electrol Commission (IEC) of South Africa have reported that voting went on smoothly.