Article Details

Journal of Public Administration (JOPA)

Your article preview is detailed below
ISSN : 2
A vote of confidence : election management and public perceptions electoral processes in South Africa

Author: Jare Struwig Simon Roberts Elsa Vivier

Affiliation: Human Sciences Research Council

Source: Journal of Public Administration, 2022-05-03 14:03:26

Accreditation: Department of Higher Education and Training(DHET)



Abstract: A vote of confidence : election management and public perceptions electoral processes in South Africa

The aim of this article is to examine the performance of the Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa. The analysis not only confines itself to the 2011 local government elections, but also examines how the IEC, through the use of a Voter Participation Survey (VPS) and an Election Satisfaction Survey (ESS), has been evaluated by the voters over the past local government elections. Results from these surveys show overwhelming endorsement of the Electoral Commission alongside noteworthy generally positive attitudes regarding voting intention. However, despite the positive findings, signs of a growing sense of political disillusionment are evident among South Africans. The article examines some of the reasons for the disillusionment, places it in an international context where political values are changing, and also suggests ways for the IEC to address it going forward.