HSRC survey finds voters viewed elections as free and fair

The overwhelming majority of voters regarded South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections as free and fair, with 90% expressing confidence that the electoral procedures were free and 91% satisfied that they were fair.

This is according to the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS) 2026, which assessed voters’ experiences and perceptions of the electoral process during the local government elections held on 4 November.

Briefing the media on Friday at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand, HSRC researcher, Dr Ben Roberts, said the survey, conducted on behalf of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), found that perceptions of electoral integrity remained strong. The findings reflected continued public confidence in the country’s electoral processes.

The results showed that 95% of voters were satisfied that their votes remained secret, consistent with the high levels of confidence in ballot secrecy recorded in previous elections.

“Voter confidence in ballot secrecy remains exceptionally high and remarkably consistent over time. In 2026, 95% of voters were satisfied that their vote remained secret,” said Dr Roberts.

Furthermore, 83% of voters indicated that they were either completely or very confident that their votes would be accurately counted.

Despite these largely positive assessments of the electoral process, the survey highlighted a gradual decline in trust in the IEC.

Trust in the Commission stood at 81% in 2026, down from 85% in 2024, 89% in 2021 and 93% in 2019. In 2016, it stood at 91%.

Meanwhile, 5% of voters said they distrusted or strongly distrusted the Commission, while 14% were neutral, uncertain or declined to respond.

The findings also revealed provincial differences in trust in the IEC.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest level of trust in the IEC at 87%, followed by the Northern Cape at 85%, the Free State at 84% and the Western Cape at 83%.

Trust stood at 81% in Mpumalanga and 80% in Limpopo, while North West and Gauteng each recorded 79%.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the lowest level of trust at 72%.

Voters who expressed confidence in the IEC cited its perceived professionalism, competence, fairness and impartiality, as well as accurate vote counting and the Commission’s record of administering elections.

Positive personal experiences with electoral officials and confidence in ballot secrecy also featured prominently.

One respondent expressed confidence in the Commission, saying: “I think the IEC has one of the most difficult jobs to do in this country and they do it well.”

Other respondents cited the Commission’s perceived political neutrality and the protection of the vote as reasons for their trust.

The 5% of voters who expressed distrust cited perceived corruption and dishonesty, doubts about the accuracy of vote counting, political bias and past controversies.

“On perceived corruption and dishonesty, allegations of corruption, bribery and fraudulent practices are prominent reasons for distrust. Concerns about vote counting and electoral results: respondents express doubts about whether votes are accurately counted, properly accounted for and reflected in the final results,” said Dr Roberts.

One respondent stated: “There is always corruption.”

The survey also highlighted concerns about information circulating in the news and on social media. Some respondents said rumours and reports about previous electoral disputes had contributed to their mistrust.

The findings suggest that, while voters retain considerable confidence in the electoral process, maintaining public trust remains important.

The HSRC noted that positive experiences of the electoral process coexist with broader dissatisfaction with democracy and political institutions.

The ESS is a representative survey of voters’ views and experiences on Election Day. The HSRC has conducted it since 1999.

Its findings are used as one of the measures to determine whether elections in South Africa are free and fair. The results are also read out as part of the official election declaration. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.