The Human Sciences Research Council conducted an Election Satisfaction Survey to gauge voters' opinions on the Electoral Commission of South Africa's management of the 2026 local government elections. The survey interviewed 13,198 voters at 300 voting stations across all nine provinces. The results showed that South Africans who voted in the elections had high confidence in the voting process.
The survey found that about 90% of voters said the election procedures were free, while 91% said they were fair. Only 1% of voters said the elections were not free and fair. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the electoral process. The survey also found that 91% of voters waited no longer than 30 minutes to vote, with 78% waiting 15 minutes or less.
Voters were highly satisfied with the service provided by Electoral Commission officials. Around 96% of voters said they were satisfied with the service, while 79% said officials were helpful to a great extent. This suggests that voters appreciated the efforts of the commission's officials in ensuring a smooth voting process.
However, the survey also revealed a gradual decline in trust in the Electoral Commission. Although 81% of voters said they trusted or strongly trusted the commission, this was lower than the 91% recorded in 2016 and the 85% in 2024. This decline in trust may be a concern for the commission.
Despite the decline in trust, an overwhelming 96% of those surveyed said they were likely to participate in future elections, with 80% saying they were very likely to do so. This suggests that voters remain engaged in the electoral process. The survey also found that voter education was well received, with about 88% of voters rating the Electoral Commission's voter education campaigns as effective.
The survey also evaluated the accessibility of voting stations for different groups of people. About 86% of voters said voting stations were easily accessible for elderly people and persons with disabilities. However, awareness of accommodation for the partially sighted or blind, pregnant women, and voters with babies, was lower.
Overall, the survey provides valuable insights into voters' experiences and perceptions of the 2026 local government elections. The results suggest that voters were generally satisfied with the electoral process, but there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of trust in the Electoral Commission.
Key points
- Voters expressed high satisfaction with the electoral process, with 90% saying it was free and 91% saying it was fair.
- Trust in the Electoral Commission has gradually declined, from 91% in 2016 to 81% in 2026.
- Voters were highly satisfied with the service provided by Electoral Commission officials, with 96% saying they were satisfied.
