92% of South Africans found election free and fair – HSRC election satisfaction survey

John Maytham interviews Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller, Divisional Executive in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical State research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

Listen below.

As the second day of vote counting unfolds, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has undertaken a crucial survey among voters on election day.

This survey aimed to gauge voter sentiments and perceptions, particularly regarding the perceived fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

Despite inevitable glitches during voting, the survey results, as articulated by Bohler-Muller, suggest that the majority of voters were content with the overall voting experience.

Understandably, prolonged waiting times correlated with increased dissatisfaction among voters.

However, these issues were not significant enough to categorise the election process as 'shambolic', she says.

The survey reveals that a notable 92% of voters regarded the election as free and fair.

Interestingly, 80% acknowledged the influence of friends and family on their voting decisions, while a mere 2% reported feeling pressured to vote for a specific party within the polling stations.

"The level of satisfaction was high."

- Narnia Bohler-Muller, Divisional Executive in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical State research division – Human Sciences Research Council

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.