Survey reveals 50% of eligible South Africans not registered to vote

Nearly half of eligible South African voters are not registered ahead of the 2026 local government elections, according to findings from the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) Voter Participation Survey.
The study highlights increasing disengagement from electoral politics and declining trust in political leadership across the country.
HSRC research director in Developmental Studies, Dr Ben Roberts, says many citizens feel disconnected from leaders.
“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 evaluation of politicians’ ability to do this. There is also a sense amongst the public they are not being sufficiently heard and their needs responded to,” says Roberts.
Voter turnout in local government elections hits all-time low in South Africa

The survey indicates that South Africa is facing its most challenging pre-election environment in three decades.
Roberts explains, “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 findings raise concerns about potential low voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
Voter registration set for 20 and 21 June 2026

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