The Electoral Commission has released the results of the latest Voter Participation Survey (VPS), which serves as an important indicator of public sentiment ahead of the forthcoming 2026/27 Local Government Elections. The survey results were released during a research seminar held in Johannesburg today, 24 March 2026.
The VPS serves as a key barometer for understanding public sentiment on electoral democracy. It provides insights into voter attitudes and perceptions as the country approaches the 2026/27 municipal elections. Notably, the study highlights declining levels of trust in key institutions of governance. Conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the study draws on a representative sample of citizens aged 16 years and older, residing in private households across all nine provinces. A total of 500 Small Area Layers (SALs) were selected using Statistics South Africa’s census geography as the sampling framework, with 3,500 addresses issued.
While many citizens continue to affirm voting as a civic duty, the research indicates a notable decline in support for democracy as the preferred system of governance, alongside rising levels of political disengagement and disillusionment. The findings indicate that a notable proportion of non-voters attribute their abstention to a lack of interest, and a broader sense of disillusionment with the lack of tangible democratic dividends.
The study also assessed the Electoral Commission’s performance in the last election, providing insights into how the Commission’s activities are perceived by the public, highlighting areas of strength as well as opportunities for improvement in delivering efficient, transparent, and credible electoral processes. In terms of voter experience at voting stations, 74% of adult citizens believe that safety and security at voting stations are adequately managed, while 53% agree that the Commission effectively handles voting irregularities. Speaking at the seminar, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sy Mamabolo, emphasised the importance of the study, noting that it enables the Commission to better understand the views of citizens, and plan for effective election administration and seamless execution of electoral operations across the country.
“This survey forms part of ongoing research that the Commission has undertaken since the early 2000s to take a deep and reflective view of the attitudes within our democratic society. The findings of this survey enable the Commission to design and implement targeted interventions that contribute to creating conditions conducive to free and fair elections,” said Mamabolo.
The CEO called on all sectors of society: leaders and trusted voices to join the Electoral Commission in promoting democratic values and implementing civic education campaigns that demonstrates tangible benefits. The Electoral Commission remains resolute in its mandate to deliver free and fair elections, while also strengthening the broader democratic environment through informed participation, transparency, and inclusive engagement. The HSRC research presentation, which is attached in three parts, is available in the link below.
HSRC Political Landscape, HSRC Voting Intention, HSRC Voter Information
ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Ensuring free, fair and credible elections
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