The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged political parties to help restore public trust in electoral processes amid declining confidence, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. IEC leaders concluded a five-day stakeholder engagement in the province on 24 April 2026. A recent study highlighted sharp drops in voter satisfaction and trust in the IEC.
The IEC's commissioners wrapped up engagements with stakeholders, including political parties, in KwaZulu-Natal from 20 to 24 April 2026. The sessions aimed to strengthen democracy and increase voter participation ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya briefed media on the outcomes, noting widespread disillusionment. "This must give us encouragement. Recognising that the forthcoming local government elections will be highly contested, efforts to improve voter turnout must address widespread public disillusionment, declining trust in institutions and concerns about electoral integrity," Moepya said.
A Human Sciences Research Council study showed trust in the IEC and democracy has fallen nationally. In KwaZulu-Natal, voter satisfaction dropped from 54% in 2004 to 6% in 2025, with IEC trust at 20%—below the national average of 32%. However, 69% of respondents still view voting as a civic duty.