Election survey shows drop in trust in IEC – Here’s what else it found

The Human Sciences Research Council’s Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS) for the 2026 local government elections revealed that trust in the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has dropped from 93% in 2019 to 81% in 2026. A majority of voters, 83%, believe their votes will be accurately counted, while 90% and 91% respectively trust the process is free and fair. However, the survey also found that 12% of voters decided to vote only in the last month, 5% in the week before election day, and 4% on the actual election day.

The survey interviewed 13,198 voters from 300 voting stations across areas proportionate to South Africa's demographics. The ESS stated that 60% of respondents had already decided to vote six months or more prior to the elections. Trust in the IEC varied regionally, with 83% trust in rural and traditional areas, dropping to 79% in urban areas, and 87% in the Eastern Cape compared to the lowest 72% in KwaZulu-Natal.

When queried about the perceived impartiality of IEC staff, the approval rating fell to 89%, down from a previous 95%. Trust in IEC staff's impartiality was questioned by some respondents, who believed the IEC could be influenced by political parties and associated it with government corruption and broader public dissatisfaction.

Radio, television, and social media were identified as the most useful mediums for receiving election information. IEC staff received an 89% approval rating for trustworthiness, patience, friendliness, professionalism, and helpfulness.