Results from the latest Voter Participation Survey (conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council and commissioned by the Electoral Commission of South Africa) show a worrying trend: only 36% of South Africans prefer democracy over other kinds of government, down from 67% in the mid-2000s. This is a sobering wake-up call as we head toward the 2026/27 Local Government Elections - for the first time, a majority of potential voters surveyed feel that voting is a “fruitless exercise.”
How are you feeling about the 2026/27 local elections?
I’m definitely voting; it’s the only way to bring change.
I’m undecided; I don’t feel represented by any party.
I’ve lost faith; I don’t believe my vote makes a difference.
I’m more interested in community activism than political parties.
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voters