Voter satisfaction with South Africa's democracy declined slightly over the past decade, according to the IEC's 2010/2011 voter participation survey released on Thursday.

Forty-four percent of people surveyed this year said they were satisfied with the way democracy was working in South Africa, down from 63 percent in 2003.

Thirty percent said they were dissatisfied, up from 25 percent in 2003.
The research also revealed low levels of trust in core political institutions, but higher levels of trust in religious bodies, the SABC and the Independent Electoral Commission.

A total of 3214 people countrywide were interviewed for the survey.
Interest in politics increased from 2004, but remains low at 42 percent.
Political disinterest and disillusionment was the primary reason for not intending to vote (by 65 percent of the 21 percent who do not intend to vote).

However, when parties don't deliver on their mandates, most of those surveyed still remain loyal to their party, rather than abstain from voting.
Political disillusionment was the primary reason given (by 74 percent) for not intending to register.

The survey showed that when looking at voting attitudes previous participation and interest in politics, as well as satisfaction with political leadership, responsiveness and efficacy were all factors that positively impact the intention to vote.

Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed expressed awareness of local governance structures such as ward committees, with greater awareness among poorer citizens.

The survey showed overwhelming satisfaction with the voter registration process (98 percent found it easy). Most recent voting experience showed high levels (over 90 percent) of satisfaction with all aspects of the voting process, IEC officials and voting stations.

There was a general consensus that the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities and the elderly were taken into account in electoral procedures.

Most voters held the IEC "in high esteem for its efficiency and professionalism".

There was a high awareness of the IEC (86 percent), but the amount of knowledge about the commission remained limited (56 percent had little knowledge, 17 percent no knowledge).

The survey also recorded similarly low levels of knowledge about the voting processes (47 percent had too little/far too little information). Television and radio remained the preferred sources for information.
IEC spokeswoman Thoko Mpumlwana said it was through research that the organisation sought to find out what voters thought about previous elections and how they thought they could be improved.

"This survey provides us with an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand information or feedback from the voters and prospective voters themselves, to ensure a climate that is conducive to free and fair elections during the 18 May municipal elections."