The 2024 national and provincial elections were deemed free and fair by the IEC, but faced a significant drop in voter turnout. Out of over 27 million registered voters, only 16.2 million citizens cast their votes, resulting in a national average of 58.6%.
The announcement of voter turnout figures took place during the election results declaration at the national operations centre. Collette Schulz-Herzenberg, an associate professor and voting behaviour specialist, expressed concern over the declining participation, suggesting that South Africans may be losing interest in politics due to a lack of belief in the impact of their votes.
Suggestions for the low turnout included issues at voting stations, causing some voters to abandon the lines. This indicates a potential disconnect between citizens and the political process.
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