How GCR residents understand democracy

Generally Gauteng voter participation rates are very high. Since 1994 Gauteng has demonstrated a consistent history of high levels of voter participation. For example, the 2011 QoL survey showed that 94% of respondents voted in the last local government election. If one goes by this technical measure of democracy alone, the high voter turn-out in Gauteng can be seen as a robust demonstration of the city-region’s faith in the nature of democracy and the value of the democratic electoral process. 

As indicated below, voter turnout in Gauteng compares favourably in relation to national levels. Although voter participation at both Gauteng and national levels showed a significant decline by 2004, the percentage of voters turning out grew slightly in 2009 while the number of voters increased significantly.

Voter participation in Gauteng