The GOOD Party and United Democratic Front (UDF) have expressed disappointment over voter participation in Cape Town, with some areas recording significantly lower turnout. GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron stated that communities most affected by poor services, housing shortages, and difficult living conditions were among those least likely to cast their ballots. Herron made these comments at the Western Cape Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Cape Town on Thursday, November 5.
Herron noted that while voter turnout in Cape Town's suburbs was strong, participation on the Cape Flats and in townships was considerably lower. He found this turnout gap particularly concerning because residents in disadvantaged communities often have the greatest need for government intervention and change. Herron argued that lower participation in these communities could benefit the Democratic Alliance (DA), which enjoys strong support in suburban areas.
The GOOD Party was not performing strongly on the initial results leaderboard, but Herron remained hopeful that its support would improve as more results came in. He stated that the party had campaigned on a vision for Cape Town that offered a different direction from the city's current political and governance trajectory. Herron acknowledged that voters had the final say and that the party would accept the outcome.
UDF leader Andhor Marks also expressed disappointment with voter participation, saying many people had shown little interest in the electoral process. The comments came as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) continued finalizing the election count in the Western Cape. The commission reported that approximately 1.5 million people had voted in the province, including about 900,000 in the Cape Metro.
Counting was still underway, with the results process not yet finalized. Herron and Marks' comments highlight concerns about voter apathy in certain communities. The IEC had reminded voters and political parties that photographing marked ballots, intimidating voters, and campaigning at voting stations are prohibited, with offenders liable for prosecution.
The low voter turnout in townships and on the Cape Flats has raised concerns about the impact on service delivery and governance in these areas. Residents in these communities often face significant challenges, including poor housing, inadequate services, and high crime rates. The GOOD Party and UDF had campaigned on improving these conditions, but low voter turnout may affect their ability to implement change.
The Western Cape Results Operations Centre (ROC) continued to receive and process results from the local government elections. As the counting and capturing of results continued, parties and voters awaited the final outcome. The IEC was expected to announce the official results once the process was complete.
Key points
- GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron expressed concern over low voter turnout in Cape Town's townships and on the Cape Flats.
- The low voter turnout may benefit the Democratic Alliance, which enjoys strong support in suburban areas.
- Approximately 1.5 million people voted in the Western Cape, with about 900,000 in the Cape Metro.
