The advocacy group Defend Our Democracy says the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) can draw lessons from the 2024 national elections.
Despite some administrative issues, the group found no major cases of disruption, intimidation, or violence, deeming the elections largely free and fair.
Spokesperson Moss Nthla says, “This overall determination is consistent with other authoritative reports such as that of the Human Science Research Council’s Election Satisfaction Survey. Defend Our Democracy calls on all political leaders to act within the confines of our Constitution, accept the outcome of the elections, and place the people of this country first.”
The IEC reported that KwaZulu-Natal had the highest voter turnout in the 2024 general elections at 61%. Over 1.5 million votes were cast in the province, with over 36 000 ballots spoilt.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) secured the most support in the province at 45%.
Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga says, “We had the national, regional, and provincial ballot and those were the numbers we had printed. Allocation per VD is based on 100% voter turnout, which never happens. We recorded 61% of voter turnout, which is above the national average of 58%. So, the highest number of voter turnout was recorded in KZN.”
2024 Elections | These elections were largely free and fair:
