Johannesburg  – South Africa has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his victory in the April 16 polls.

It reaffirms its desire to further enhance strong relations with President Jonathan, the Nigerian government and its people.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in a statement in Pretoria on Wednesday night, also  congratulated the people of Nigeria for exercising their democratic right in a responsible manner.

It described INEC’s handling of the elections as “sterling”.

“The South African government also wishes to extend its appreciation and respect to all the candidates who participated in the elections.

“We also commend the sterling work carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria and all the institutions and volunteers who have contributed to the success in holding the biggest democratic elections on our Continent,” the Southern Africa correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria quotes the statement as saying.

It, however, noted the incidents of discontent, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

“It wishes to implore all parties and voters to accept the outcome of the elections and, if necessary to utilise the legitimate channels to express their grievances,” the statement added. (NAN)