Voters Abandon Elections as MPs Take Early Holiday, Revealing Decades of Political Negligence

The low voter turnout in South Africa's recent elections and by-elections highlights the growing distrust and apathy among citizens towards political parties. This trend is exacerbated by the politicians' own absence and perceived negligence.

After decades of political absenteeism, lawmakers shouldn't be surprised to find voters have stopped turning up. This week marked the end of the parliamentary session, signaling an early holiday for MPs. However, voter turnout in May’s election was below 59%, with less than 40% of the eligible population participating. In a recent by-election in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, over 80% of registered voters did not vote, with overall turnout at 38.55%.

The lack of trust in political parties and their perceived negligence is driving this trend, prompting citizens to abstain from voting. Only 13% of municipalities received clean audits between 2022 and 2023, illustrating systemic oversight and accountability failures

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Voter Turnout Political Negligence Elections South Africa Parliament Accountability

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