A new survey by the Human Sciences Research Council reveals growing frustration and disengagement among South African voters ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The study highlights declining trust in political leadership, potentially lowering turnout. Nearly half of eligible voters remain unregistered.
The Human Sciences Research Council's latest Voter Participation Survey has identified growing frustration, disengagement and declining trust in political leadership among South Africans. Dr Ben Roberts, HSRC Research Director in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical State programme, warned that the 2026 local government elections are unfolding in South Africa's most challenging pre-election climate in three decades. “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,” Roberts said. The report indicates that nearly half of eligible South African voters are not registered. Roberts noted citizens feel unheard by leaders, who are seen as undermining democracy. “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 the evaluation of politicians’ ability to do this. There is also a sense that amongst the public, they are not being sufficiently heard and their needs are not being responded to,” he added. These trends raise concerns about voter participation levels.
