Nelson Mandela was the first president of the Republic of South Africa elected in a fully representative democratic election, which took place in 1994. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela emerged as a symbol of the struggle against racial oppression. His presidency marked a historic transition from decades of apartheid to a democratic political system characterized by racial equality and shared governance. Mandela's leadership emphasized reconciliation and nation-building, earning him global recognition as a champion of human rights and social justice, and inspiring movements for equality worldwide.