The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, recorded an outstanding personal vote to be elected on the first count in Foyle.
As his party saw an upsurge in its vote, Mr Hume topped the poll with more than 12,500 votes - almost double the quota.
Sinn Fein councillor and party chairman Mr Mitchell McLaughlin, was elected on the fifth count, following the elimination of the deputy mayor of Derry, Ms Lynn Fleming.
Speaking after his victory, Mr Hume said the SDLP had been a "very consistent party throughout the last 28 years" and that people had recognised that. He was looking forward to working together with all political parties who supported the agreement.
"It is a clear message from the people that they are standing shoulder to shoulder with us," he said.
Mr McLaughlin expressed delight at Sinn Fein's vote, particularly in Derry. However, he voiced concern at the performance of the UUP. "All of us who want to see new institutions emerging have to be seriously concerned at the lack of confidence in the unionist leadership. If they had been more assertive about the role which they have embraced they would have performed better."
Mr McLaughlin said there was a "tide of change, not just within the body politic in the North, but also within nationalism. This is due in considerable measure to the hard work done by the party and the thousands and thousands of people who looked to Sinn Fein for political leadership."