As South Africans go to the polls in May 2011 to elect local representatives in their fourth municipal vote, these elections promise to be the most important expression of citizen satisfaction with local government thus far. Local government, which is responsible for providing basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity, is criticized for service delivery failures and is rife with accusations of corruption, maladministration and the lack of accountability to communities.
Recent pre-election citizen surveys capture the mood prevailing across many local communities in South Africa – one of widespread dissatisfaction and frustration, culminating in a wave of social protest that has affected local communities across the country.
With local elections imminent, some analysts speculate that protests will, in all likelihood, affect political participation negatively, culminating in the lowest turnout witnessed yet as many refuse to go to the polls. With voter turnout averaging 48 percent in the two previous local elections some predict that it may drop further as voters withdraw their support for the incumbent African National Congress party, which retains majority support in many municipalities.
Yet, expectations are raised among the leaders of opposition parties and independent candidates, who regard this election as an opportunity to benefit from increased voter dissatisfaction with the ANC. Opposition parties have failed to make serious inroads into traditional ANC constituencies in previous national and regional elections, leaving the ANC largely unthreatened at elections. However, a consolidated opposition (with the recent merger of the Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats) may see at least two key metropolitan councils and a dozen more key municipalities go to opposition coalitions.
The 2006 local government elections saw the ANC consolidate its position, with increases in the overall majority it holds in councils. It also saw the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, strengthened its position as the strongest opposition party. So what is a likely outcome of the 2011 municipal polls? Will the 2011 elections signal a decline in the quality of democracy in South Africa as citizens ‘stay-away’ from the polls? Or does it present an opportunity to re-energise local politics as voters choose among the many political homes on offer?
The presenters will reflect on major voter trends and outcomes of the 2011 municipal election. By taking stock of the fortunes and failures of political parties and independent candidates, we also reflect on the potential for the emergence and growth of opposition politics that can challenge the incumbent party.
Speakers:
Collette Schulz-Herzenberg, Senior Researcher, Corruption & Governance Programme, Institute for Security Studies
Zwelethu Jolobe, Lecturer in the Political Studies Department, University of Cape Town
Cherrel Africa, Lecturer in the Political Studies Department, University of Western Cape
Chairperson:
Daryl Balia, Programme Head, Corruption & Governance Programme, Institute for Security Studies.
Please RSVP by Monday 30 May 2011
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Please note that discussions occur under the ISS Rules, which means no attribution without specific permission.
This seminar is made possible by funding from the Open Society Foundation for South Africa (OSF-SA)
