An Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) polling station official prepares the ballot papers at Hyde Park High School polling station in Johannesburg,
MIDRAND - The belief that a single vote can make a difference remains a motivation for South Africans who voted in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
This is according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) Election Satisfaction Survey, which found that 59% of voters cast their vote because it would make a difference.
The research, conducted by the Human Science Research Council on behalf of the IEC, sampled 300 voting stations across the country’s nine provinces, with fieldworkers randomly interviewing 50 voters at voting stations through election day.
Other motivations included 39% who said they want to get good quality and reliable government services ranging from issues such as electricity, water and rubbish removal, among others.
There was at least 38% who cited an improved economy and 36% cited the fight against corruption.
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The survey also found that the perceptions of political tolerance during election campaigns remain strongly positive and have improved over time.
In 2026, 86% of voters regarded political parties and candidates as either very tolerant or somewhat tolerant, compared with 81% in 2011, the survey revealed.
Meanwhile, the proportion perceiving political intolerance has declined from 13% in 2011 to 7% in 2026.
The proportion perceiving political intolerance has declined from 13% in 2011 to 7% in 2026.
"These findings suggest a modest improvement in voters’ perceptions of political tolerance during local government election campaigns, with assessments remaining broadly stable since 2021," the survey revealed.