The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has ramped up its voter mobilisation campaign after identifying a significant 30% decline in participation, sparking concern about the health of democracy ahead of the 2026 municipal elections in South Africa.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya pointed to troubling developments in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, where a growing number of citizens are reportedly turning toward non-democratic alternatives. In response, the Commission has initiated a week-long voter outreach drive in the province aimed at boosting participation before the upcoming polls.
Moepya said the Commission uses each election cycle to better understand challenges faced at grassroots level, stressing that the latest findings are particularly alarming. He noted that democratic participation has dropped sharply, from 65% to just 36%, indicating mounting pressure on the country’s democratic system. He stated:
“Every time we prepare for an election, it tells us what the challenges on the ground are that we need to address, even as we prepare for elections. It has on this occasion, brought out findings that are very concerning. In South Africa, democracy is taking some headwinds. It has come down from a high of 65 percent to a low of 36 percent. People are saying they believe that voting or participating in democracy does not matter.”
Further insight into this decline comes from a survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) commissioned by the IEC, which reveals a broader erosion of confidence in democracy. The findings show that only 36% of South Africans now prefer democracy as a form of governance, compared to roughly two-thirds in the mid-2000s. Meanwhile, 26% of respondents indicated openness to non-democratic systems, and 34% said the type of government does not matter.
The survey also highlights a steep decline in the perceived value of voting. Less than 30% of citizens believe their vote makes a difference, a significant drop from 74% in 2004. While more than 70% feel voting has little impact. Interest in participating in the 2026 elections is also low, with just 17% of respondents saying they are definitely willing to vote.
These patterns are especially evident in key provinces such as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where fewer individuals view voting as a civic responsibility. Analysts warn that this could result in reduced voter turnout and higher levels of abstention.
Overall, the IEC’s campaign in KwaZulu-Natal is part of a broader national effort to counter declining public engagement and ensure meaningful participation in the municipal elections, where millions of registered voters are expected to elect local government representatives.
