Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 6 - Chapter 1 Page 11

Problems would not be solved overnight and there would be no quick or easy solutions. The problems ran deep and the resources were limited. Right on top of the agenda were the basic principles of a democratic constitution for South Africa. Their will should be expressed by their democratically elected representatives in periodic fair and free elections. It was these elected representatives who would adopt a constitution which should be the highest law of the land guaranteeing their basic rights. The document declared that South Africa would be a unitary state in which there would be a government at local, regional and national levels. The Bill of Rights and principles of non-racialism, non-sexism and democratic accountability should apply at these levels of government. The structure of government would consist of the National Assembly and which would be elected by universal suffrage on a common voters roll according to proportional representation. It would also have a senate representative of regions and be directly elected, and have the power of review, refer and delay legislation. 8