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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 07 Nov 2008 Title: South Africans keen to vote in 2009 elections -------------------- By Nthambeleni Gabara Pretoria - The majority of South Africans have shown an interest in voting in the upcoming national and provincial elections. This is according to the preliminary finding of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey, which was released on Friday. HSRC Director for Socio-Economic Survey Unit, Dr Mbithi wa Kivilu said: "In general, the survey noted that South Africans were very positive about the upcoming 2009 elections. Significantly, 80 percent indicated that they are very interested in the provincial and national elections," he said. Mr Kivilu said more than 97 percent of the people whom they interviewed indicated that they have green bar-coded Identity Documents (IDs), which are necessary to register and cast a vote. Further to this, those without the IDs had shown an intention to apply for an ID, the majority of whom are in Kwazulu-Natal and the North West Province. "We've also found that 8 percent of the age group between 18 and 24 have no IDs, but they also showed an intention to apply. The highest proportions without IDs are found within the urban informal, traditional and rural areas," he said. In terms of gender, women who are interested in elections are 75 percent, while men are only 69 percent. According to the survey, a total of 73 percent respondents showed that they have registered to vote. The highest registration numbers are in the Northern Cape (82 percent), followed by Eastern Cape (81 percent). The lowest reported registration number was in Kwazulu-Natal with 67 percent. Lower registration was also recorded among the respondents with no income, with 58 percent of them indicating that they are registered. Overall 97 percent of the respondents found it easy to register, while the largest proportion of rural formal respondents did not find it easy to register in the previous elections. While 89 percent of the respondents have registered in the district they reside, the largest proportion of urban formal respondents said they were not registered in the district where they lived. The IEC commissioned the survey to assess the extent to which the electorate and prospective voters are intending to register and vote in the 2009 elections. Dr Kivilu said the objective of the research was to conduct a survey about voter registration in order to determine the state of readiness in respect of the voting behaviour in the country. However, he said the main aim of the survey was to establish public perception with regards to the upcoming elections as well as to IEC's ability to manage all aspects of the election successfully. The survey is part of a broader study which includes a focus group and desktop analysis components. The research was concluded in October prior to the first voter registration at the weekend. IEC Chief Electoral Officer, Pantsy Tlakula said the rainy weather expected over the weekend would not affect their turnout on Saturday and Sunday. "Even if it rains, we are targeting to register over a million potential voters. People should remember that rain brings fortune," she said. The Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam, said they were still to engage with government about when the elections will be held in 2009. - BuaNews |
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