EDITORIAL | A stress test for democracy (opens original article in a new tab)

The November 4 local government elections in South Africa serve as a test of democracy and voter engagement, with low youth registration rates and historical voter turnout indicating challenges in civic participation and trust in local governance.

• November 4 local government elections test democracy and voter faith
• 60% of non-registered 18-34-year-olds in South Africa do not intend to register
• Voter turnout in 2024 was 58.64% of registered voters, 41% of all adults