1978 South African presidential election

Following the death of State President Nicolaas Diederichs on August 21, 1978, a new election for the South African head of state was held which pitted former Prime Minister John Vorster, backed by the then-ruling National Party, against former United Party leader De Villiers Graaff supported by the New Republic Party, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, Guerino Bozzoli, supported by the Progressive Federal Party.[1] In accordance with the South African Constitution of 1961, the ceremonial State President was elected by a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament for a seven-year term. John Vorster won the election with 173 votes in his favor and 31 going to the other candidates, beginning his term on October 10, 1978.

1978 South African presidential election
29 September 1978 (1978-09-29)
Turnout92.73%
 
Nominee B. J. Vorster De Villiers Graaff Guerino Bozzoli
Party National New Republic Progressive Federal
Electoral vote 173 19 12
Percentage 84.8% 9.31% 5.88%
Results of the election. Vorster (orange) received 173 votes while Graaf received 19 and Bozzoli 12.
State President before election

Marais Viljoen (Acting)
National

 Elected State President

B. J. Vorster
National

Bibliography
  1. "The Electoral College elects Balthasar Johannes (John) Vorster as State President by 173 votes to the nineteen cast for Sir de Villiers Graaf".
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