George W. Bush: “I congratulate President Thabo Mbeki on South Africa's third democratic national election and his party's election…”

We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling.

You've showed the great strength of America through your work—and that is your good heart.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless you.

Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens.