CODESA II ends in deadlock

Political organizations and international observers gathered for the first broad multiparty constitutional convention.

Most participating parties committed themselves to democracy, constitutional government and a peaceful transition.

At its eightieth anniversary, the organization presented post-apartheid policies and began preparing supporters for democratic elections.

The proposal combined a short multiparty transition with an elected constitution-making process and a temporary coalition government.

In a whites-only referendum, a large majority supported De Klerk's negotiation policy, weakening the white right's claim to block the transition.

Rallies and work stoppages demanded an interim government and an elected constituent assembly.

Attackers killed more than forty residents of Boipatong. Survivors and the ANC alleged complicity or failure by state security forces.

Mandela withdrew from formal talks, demanding action against violence and evidence of state involvement.

The Tripartite Alliance used mass action to demand an interim government, majority rule and effective measures against political violence.

The meeting sought a way out of the post-Boipatong deadlock and prepared the ground for renewed constitutional negotiations.