A new study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), commissioned by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), shows demand for democracy among South Africans has hit an all-time low of 36% in 2026. This affects citizens aged 16 and older across all provinces. The sharp drop from 65% in the mid-2000s points to eroding public confidence, fueled by issues like corruption and unemployment.
The HSRC conducted the study through face-to-face interviews with people aged 16 and older in every province. It tracks voter participation and views on democracy over time.
Key findings show demand for democracy at just 36% this year. That’s down from 65% in the mid-2000s.
Dr. Ben Roberts, HSRC research director, said: “Slightly over one in four people or 26% [of participants] see non-democratic alternatives as acceptable in our country. This is the highest recorded level of the particular preference we’ve seen over the last quarter of a century.”
This marks the lowest support for democracy in over 20 years.
The study focuses on public confidence in democracy and voter turnout. It highlights a steady decline since the mid-2000s.
Corruption and unemployment stand out as main factors undermining trust, according to the HSRC and IEC.
Here are key trends from the data:
- Demand for democracy: 65% (mid-2000s) to 36% (2026)
- Preference for non-democratic options: 26% (highest in 25 years)
These shifts show long-term changes in how South Africans view their system.
The 26% openness to non-democratic alternatives is the highest in 25 years. This ties to verified HSRC data on trust erosion from corruption and unemployment.
Lower demand for democracy could mean less voter turnout. It may challenge policies that rely on public support.
Key implications include:
- Reduced participation in elections
- Harder time building consensus on reforms
- Pressure on institutions to address corruption and jobs
These effects stem directly from the study’s findings. Projections beyond that remain unconfirmed.
The study comes amid ongoing political activity, like ANC Eastern Cape preparations for their conference. Officials call legal challenges “frivolous,” per recent reports.
It arrives ahead of potential voter engagement by the IEC. No firm election dates are set yet.
Watch for HSRC and IEC updates on voter trends.
This timing underscores the need to track public views closely.
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