SA's democracy maturing: IEC
15 February 2006
Eight in every 10 registered South African voters are likely to participate in the upcoming local government elections, according to a survey by the country's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
When asked if they would vote in the local poll next month, 81% who had their names on the voters' roll said they would. The results mean that 60% of eligible voters - registered or not - are likely to cast their ballot on 1 March.
"Voter registration for the upcoming municipal elections pointed to the fact that South African democracy is maturing," the IEC said on releasing the survey on Tuesday.
"Over 21-million of a possible 27-million eligible voters have now registered to vote in the coming elections. This is indeed encouraging, taking into account that democracy is a new concept in South Africa."
A number of institutions conduct surveys on voter patterns throughout the world to help manage the effectiveness of the electoral
process, the IEC said. The Human Sciences Research Council conducted the research on behalf of the commission, surveying
5 000 registered voters.
"It is encouraging to note from the survey report the overwhelming interest by South Africans in voting, after six successive elections," said IEC chairperson Brigalia Bam
Bam said the IEC was also encouraged by the electorate's confidence in its integrity, with the survey indicating 89% of South Africans perceive the country's elections to be free and fair. This perception was even higher in urban areas, at 95%.
Dissatisfaction with "freeness and fairness" of elections was highest among Indians and Asians at 14%, followed by whites at 12% and coloureds at 9%.
Two-thirds of respondents believed the counting of ballot papers and reporting of votes was accurate during the last elections.
"Democracy is an ongoing process and people are starting to internalise multi-partyism," the IEC said. "In these municipal elections alone, 97 political parties are participating and 45 189 candidates countrywide will contest the elections.
"This represents 19% growth in contesting political parties and 50% increase in candidates participating compared to the 2000 municipal elections."
- To check your registration details and confirm where you should vote contact the IEC's call centre toll free on 0800 11 8000, visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za or SMS your ID number to 32810.
- Read the full text of the report on the IEC website.
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