Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
South Africa is facing its most challenging pre-election climate in three decades ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
This is according to the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) latest Voter Participation Survey.
The study tracks public attitudes to democracy across the country.
It has found growing frustration, disengagement and declining trust in political leadership.
HSRC Research Director in Developmental, Capable and Ethical State, Dr Ben Roberts, warns that this could impact voter turnout.
“Firstly, the 2026 local government elections are being planned in what we deem to be the most challenging pre-electoral climate observed over the last three decades. There are particularly striking levels of pessimism, frustration and disengagement, with quite a clear geographic patterning and disparity to some of the indicators that we have showcased.”
The report also indicates that nearly half of the eligible South African voters are not registered ahead of the local polls.
Dr Roberts says many citizens feel unheard and disconnected from political leaders, raising concerns about participation levels.
“There is a concern from the public that politicians are undermining democracy. There is a very large gap between the importance attached to politicians listening to citizens and the evaluation of politicians’ ability to do this. There is also a sense that amongst the public, they are not being sufficiently heard and their needs are not being responded to.”
Video | Electoral frustration threatens local voter turnout:
www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/frustration-among-voters-threatening-local-polls-turnout-report/
