They Died for the Right to Vote : Huge lines at S. Africa polls underscore quest for democracy

He is 75 and a grandfather. And for the first time in his life Nelson Mandela is a voter--like millions of other newly enfranchised black South Africans now enjoying the right to determine how their country is governed. Finally, the once silenced majority will have a say in its political destiny.

The emotionally liberating effect of the franchise to vote was evident from the remotest bush country to the biggest cities. The enormous lines of voters offered dramatic evidence of just what this historic election means. Blacks and their white supporters died for this; bombs have not had the power to frighten away the millions eager to participate in South Africa’s first all-race election, in which the turnout topped 90% in some areas. (Contrast this with most U.S. elections: Relatively few go to the polls; the right to vote is taken for granted.) Whatever happens next in South Africa, the people and their leaders-- Mandela and outgoing President Frederik W. de Klerk--deserve the world’s admiration for what they have done to achieve this epic moment.

When all the votes are tabulated, Mandela and his African National Congress--a liberation movement turned respectable political party--undoubtedly will prevail. At a time of life when most people are retired, he will become the first black president of Africa’s newest democracy.

Mandela knows he cannot afford to escalate the white exodus from South Africa. He knows that the evil apartheid system resulted in whites receiving better educations and better professional training. A continued brain drain would rob the nation of expertise and capital needed to prime the engine of reform. One hopes that others in Mandela’s party equally appreciate these vital nuances.

Generous foreign aid will help. President Clinton plans to increase U.S. assistance to $200 million a year. In addition, the potential for private investment is vastly greater now, with foreign investors being tantalized by visions of a market of 30 million black consumers. However, few will take the risk of making major outlays if political violence continues.

Western investment also will dry up if South Africa suffers the pitfalls common in new democracies--widespread corruption, human rights abuses and intractable ethnic conflicts. Neighboring Zimbabwe largely has escaped those ills. South Africa can too if Mandela fulfills his promises during his five-year term--and if his successors remain true to his vision.

Mandela has beaten the odds before. In 1964, when he was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the ANC’s fight for black freedom, he said: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” He has lived. He has achieved. Now he will lead. Everyone must hope that South Africa will prove to be the exception among many fledging states that have tried democracy: that this first vote will not be South Africa’s last.