in december 1991 the convention for a democratic south africa (codesa) was held with the aim of establishing an interim government. but in june 1992 there was the boipatong massacre. negotiations stopped as the anc pulled out. only cyril ramaphosa of the anc, and roelf meyer of the national party carried on talking. in over 40 meetings the two men discussed and negotiated over many issues including the nature of the future political system, the fate of over 40,000 government employees and if/how the country would be divided. the result of these negotiations was a temporary constitution that meant the transition from apartheid to democracy was a constitutional continuation and that the rule of law and state sovereignty remained intact during the change, which was vital for stability within the country. a date was set for the first democratic elections on 27 april 1994. the anc won 62.5% of the votes and has been in power ever since.