Ratification Mechanism: Interim Constitution Accord
Implementations
Ratification Mechanism – 1993
The 1993 accord in South Africa was written to serve as an “interim constitution” until the accord could be legally ratified as part of a final constitution. According to the interim constitution, the adoption of the final constitution would be ratified by the Constitutional Court. The 1993 accord established numerous committees and commissions to draft various portions of a new constitution.
Ratification Mechanism – 1994
No developments observed this year.
Ratification Mechanism – 1995
On November 18, 1995, the Constitutional Court began the second ratification hearing on the amended text for the final constitution, and on 4 December 1996, the Constitutional Court certified the amended document.
Ratification Mechanism – 1996
The New South African Constitution became law on December 10, 1996.1
- “SOUTH AFRICA SIGNS NEW CONSTITUTION,” Courier Mail (Queensland, Australia), December 11, 1996; “South Africa; South Africa’s New Constitution Takes Effect Today,” Africa News, February 4, 1997.
Ratification Mechanism – 1997
No further developments observed.
Ratification Mechanism – 1998
No further developments observed.
Ratification Mechanism – 1999
No further developments observed.
Ratification Mechanism – 2000
No further developments observed.
Ratification Mechanism – 2001
No further developments observed.
Ratification Mechanism – 2002
No further developments observed.