Half of Young Voters See No Party Representing Them

A new Ipsos study finds distrust of politicians and low party attachment among South Africans aged 18 to 24 ahead of local elections.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Youth

Half of Young Voters See No Party Representing Them

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Do you feel any political party represents your views?

Ipsos published the Khayabus Pulse of the People study on South African youth political sentiment, finding 50% of registered young voters believe no political party represents their views. Seven in ten young South Africans agree politicians cannot be trusted.

Why it matters

The findings point to a significant gap between young registered voters and the parties seeking their support in South Africa's upcoming local government elections. Low trust and weak party attachment may shape turnout and voting choices among this group.

An Ipsos survey of registered young voters finds 28% trust their current local government while 54% distrust it. The remaining share of respondents' views on local government is not detailed in the extraction, and the study does not say how these attitudes will affect voting behaviour.

The players

Ipsos

Ipsos is a global market research and polling company that conducted the Khayabus Pulse of the People study on South African youth political sentiment.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

The Economic Freedom Fighters is a South African political party founded in 2013 that is tied with the ANC as the most supported party among registered young voters in the study.

African National Congress (ANC)

The African National Congress is South Africa's governing party, tied with the EFF as the most supported party among registered young voters in the study.

The details

Registered young voters were asked about party representation, trust in politicians and party preference. Among those expressing a preference, the EFF and ANC are tied at 17%, MKP is backed by 15% and the DA by 13%, while 17% would not vote, declined to name a party or did not know.

3 November 2026: Ipsos publishes the Khayabus Pulse of the People study findings ahead of local government elections.
The Wednesday following 3 November 2026: South Africa holds its 2026 Local Government Elections.

Youth Outlook

The study forms part of Ipsos's Khayabus Pulse of the People series, which tracks South African public opinion. This edition narrows the lens to registered voters aged 18 to 24 as local elections approach.

Young registered voters who feel unrepresented have fewer parties they identify with when deciding how to vote. The study's findings show that 17% of registered young people would not vote, declined to name a party or did not know which party they would support.

The takeaway

Trust and representation are central concerns for South Africa's young voters as local elections approach. Parties hoping to win their support will need to address the gap the study identifies between young registered voters and the candidates on offer.

What happens next

South Africa holds its 2026 Local Government Elections on the Wednesday following 3 November 2026, when the study's findings on youth representation and trust will be tested at the ballot box.