IEC Research Seminar Reveals Voter Trends for KZN

IEC Research Seminar Reveals Voter Trends for KZN

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) hosted a research seminar in partnership with UKZN to reveal voter trends for KwaZulu-Natal.

IEC Operations Manager, Mr Scelo Duma, who chaired the proceedings, said the commission is required by law to conduct research on electoral regimes, adding that this event comes at an opportune time as the country gears up for the 2024 national and provincial elections.

In her welcome address, Ms Normah Zondo, UKZN’s Executive Director for the Corporate Relations Division (CRD), said elections are the backbone of any democracy, and UKZN was thrilled to host the workshop as it aligned with its strategic objectives. ‘In line with the goal of High Impact Societal and Stakeholder Community Engagement in the UKZN Strategic Plan, we recognise that the University exists within a community and is a platform where such discussions should be taking place,’ said Zondo.

Presenting a report on election indicators by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Project Lead Dr Ben Roberts discussed how the research findings were based on the Voter Participation Survey and the Election Satisfaction Survey, which were implemented nationally in face-to-face interviews leading up to the election and on the election day, respectively.

Ms Samela Mtyingizane from the HSRC outlined the behavioural attitudes of voters in KwaZulu-Natal, revealing the province as being the most patriotic at 73% in 2021 and the most duty-bound to vote at 78% in 2021. Mtyingizane noted the lack of optimism towards the improvement of living standards in KZN over the last 10 years and how a lack of trust in core political institutions such as local, national and parliamentary government from 2003 to 2021 resulted in the IEC bearing the brunt of public dissatisfaction.

Focusing on the registration patterns and voter turnout, Dr Thobeka Zondi from the HSRC discussed concerns relating to online registrations, where 44% of the public agreed that online voter registrations had the potential to introduce electoral fraud. She highlighted how KZN voters perceived the registration process as simple and how voter turnout has increased in the province since 2006 in local elections and from 2009 in the national elections

Thanking Roberts and his team, IEC Commissioner Mr Glen Mashinini said, ‘The report includes key indicators which are important guidelines that we use as the commission to base our work and fulfil our constitutional obligation. The four key areas of the report include voter participation and behavioural patterns, social attitude, voter registration, and electoral results and satisfaction.’

Mashinini also remarked on the achievements of the IEC, with South Africa having been recognised as the second-highest country with electoral integrity in Africa.

Mrs Ntombifuthi Masinga, KZN Provincial Electoral Officer, examined the Electoral Amendment Bill and how it affects national assembly seats. She noted some minor changes that will be implemented because of the inclusion of independent candidates and also mentioned the due processes needed to be followed for contestation.

In her vote of thanks, Dr Nonhlanhla Hlongwane, IEC Outreach Coordinator, acknowledged her team, the HSRC, and CRD for making the event a success. She commented on the importance of research: ‘We do research as the IEC to reflect on our work which helps us to plan and improve ourselves as an institution that prides itself on being a learning commission.’

Other participants at the seminar included Mr Msizi Khumalo, Centre for Community Development Director, and University of Zululand student Ms Thembelihle Mpungose, who shared their reflections on the IEC’s research outcomes.

Click here to watch the IEC KwaZulu-Natal Research Seminar.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Zama Khoza