Young voters find coalition politics off-putting
Political parties face the daunting challenge of winning over young voters, who make up a huge and potentially decisive segment of the electorate, before next year’s elections.
A survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that most young voters are not interested in participating in the polls due to political party coalitions and independent candidates — two phenomena that are likely to shape the outcome of the elections.
The study, which was conducted in partnership with the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC), found there is apathy among voters aged 18-35 in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, two of the most populous provinces where the ANC faces threats from the DA and EFF.
Several surveys, including one by the ANC itself, indicate that the governing party’s electoral support could fall below 50% in 2024, an outcome that would open the door for coalition government nationally or a change of power as opposition parties are gearing up for closer co-operation should the ANC fail to get a majority.
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The latest Ipsos poll shows that though the ANC remains the dominant party, its electoral support is likely to decline to a maximum of 50% in the elections. The DA is estimated to garner 18% of the vote and the EFF 16%. The estimations are based on a high voter turnout of 66%.
In the HSRC survey, young voters were asked about their views on party coalitions and independent candidates, which are expected to play a bigger role in the 2024 elections than before. A total 60% of young voters said coalitions make them less likely to vote, while 42% of polled participants said that the ability to vote for independent candidates makes them less likely to vote.
The survey also revealed that only 43% of the polled participants said they have registered to vote, while 36% were adamant they will not register.
The primary reason given for not intending to register among the unregistered is political disillusionment.
“From their perspective, convincing them to turn out
would require responding to their material needs: decent work, quality services, and capable and ethical leadership. This is beyond the Electoral Commission’s mandate and speaks to the accountability of the political system,” the survey findings read.
HSRC researcher Samela Mtyingizane said one of the “silver linings” of the survey is the “persistent belief” in the importance of voting among many youths. Almost 60% of respondents said that they believe in voting, but will not vote anyway, Mtyingizane said.
In the first voter registration weekend, in November, new registrations in the 16-29 age group accounted for 445,089 (78.31%) of the 568,374 new voters. The second and last voter registration weekend is due to be held on February 3 and 4.
The IEC has yet to announce the official date for the elections.