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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mandela declares that the election results reflect a public demand for change, which his administration will deliver through job creation, peace, reconciliation, and guaranteed freedom.
In plain terms
The people voted for change, and the new government will bring jobs, peace, and freedom to everyone.
What can you take from it?
Elections reflect public will that governments must act on.

Where it applies

  • post-election announcements
  • policy speeches
  • national addresses

Putting it to work

  • announce election results
  • outline policy goals
  • commit to reform

Questions to consider

  • What does true change require beyond elections?
  • How do leaders ensure promises are kept?

Another view

Promises of change may not materialize if implementation fails.

More from Nelson Mandela

  1. The task at hand on will not be easy. But you have mandated us to change South Africa from a country in which the majority lived with little hope, to one in wh…

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. While we are and shall remain fully committed to the spirit of a government of national unity, we are determined to initiate and bring about the change that ou…

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. Democracy is based on the majority principle. This is especially true in a country such as ours where the vast majority have been systematically denied their r…

    Permalink to quote #37

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