Local matters: results from the Electoral Commission of South Africa's Voter Participation Survey (VPS) 2015/16

The Electoral Commission's Voter Participation Survey (VPS) is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey that was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) between October and December 2015. The study aims to inform and guide the Commission with its plans, policies, and practices by evaluating voting behaviour and interest ahead of the 2016 local government elections. In this study, the broader political landscape in South Africa is examined together with factors that might impact voting behaviour, such as perception about the performance of government and attitudes towards democratic values. Specific issues, such as the involvement of women, youth and persons with disabilities in elections, are also examined.