Pretoria - The government on Friday congratulated Tunisia on the conclusion of the country's first democratic legislative elections, the international relations department said.
“The peaceful atmosphere in which the elections were conducted is a testimony to the spirit and resilience of the Tunisian people and should be promoted as a good example to the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond,” spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement.
“South Africa is equally confident that the presidential elections, on 23 November 2014, will also take place in a free and fair atmosphere.”
Tunisia held elections on Sunday.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported that about 13 000 contenders from nearly 90 political parties vied for the 217 seats up for grabs.
The new parliament would have significant powers under a constitution adopted earlier this year.
The parliamentary and presidential elections were intended to complete the country's process of democratisation.
Sapa