What significant political development occurred in South Africa in the early 1990s?

The significant political development that occurred in South Africa in the early 1990s was the implementation of a democratic constitution. This period marked a transformative moment in the country's history as it transitioned from decades of apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination—toward a more inclusive and democratic governance structure.

The democratic constitution, adopted in 1996, was pivotal because it enshrined fundamental human rights, established equal protection under the law, and provided a framework for a new political order based on free and fair elections. It was a critical milestone that emerged from negotiations aimed at dismantling apartheid, showcasing the commitment to establish a society characterized by equality, justice, and the rule of law.

While the other developments mentioned played important roles in the broader context of South African history, they are not as directly associated with the foundational shift to democratic governance that was embodied in the constitution. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, for example, was significant in helping the country confront its past and foster healing, but its establishment came after the new democratic order was already in place. Similarly, the end of international sanctions and the establishment of a one-party system does not reflect the move towards democracy that the constitution represents.