Author: Jack Brodsky, Writer, Futurelect
As we enter the final quarter of 2024, known around the world as a ‘super election year’, what lessons have we learned about global governance? And, in turn, what do these global trends show us about elections closer to home?
A recent report by the Global State of Democracy Initiative (GSOD), which examined the ‘legitimacy of elections in a time of radical uncertainty’, gave us pause for thought about the democratic progress made during the 2024 South African general elections. And, in particular, the importance of having an electoral management body as strong and credible as the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) ensuring that elections remain free and fair.
The GSOD Report found that global confidence in the integrity of elections is declining. In fact, between 2020 and 2024, almost one in five elections saw a losing candidate or party reject the electoral outcome. The report found that challenges to the electoral outcome are principally motivated by two factors. Firstly, opposition candidates seeking to ‘convey legitimate concerns about an election’. And second, attempts to ‘erode public faith in an opponent’s victory’.
As per Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution, the IEC is one of six institutions responsible for upholding and supporting constitutional democracy in South Africa. In its 30-year history, the IEC has time and again proven itself to be a world-class electoral management body, navigating a variety of complex challenges to ensure that elections in the rainbow nation are managed to the highest possible standard.
Changes to the South African Electoral Amendment Act, enforced budget cuts, an increase in the number of ballot papers, and protests about the result were all obstacles that the IEC overcame to ensure the integrity of the 2024 election.
At the conclusion of the election, 92% of respondents in a survey conducted by the Human Sciences Resource Council (HSRC) believed that the election procedures were free and fair, and 94% of voters were satisfied or very satisfied with the service that the IEC officials provided to voters.
This should not be taken for granted, and it is heartening that the management of South Africa’s democracy is in the hands of an institution as ethically robust and democratically secure as the IEC.
Moving forward, Futurelect is very proud to continue developing our civic education programme to help voters participate actively in South Africa’s civic and democratic life. Our next stop—a brand new series of custom courses to help citizens and voters get ready for the Local Government Elections in 2026!