IEC says over 70% of eligible 18-19-year-olds not registered to vote

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

More than 70% of South Africans aged between 18 and 19 have not registered to vote despite being eligible, the Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Wednesday as it launched its campaign for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The IEC officially launched the election programme at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg ahead of voter registration weekend scheduled for June 20-21 and the municipal elections on Nov. 4.

IEC general manager for civic and democracy education, research and knowledge management Moagisi Sibanda said the commission was intensifying efforts to attract first-time voters, particularly young people, amid growing distrust in democratic institutions and elections globally.

“It’s something that we are challenged with, but we are not afraid of the challenge,” Sibanda said.

“Today we launched and showcased a plethora of initiatives that are meant to counter this distrust and to invite South Africans back into the fold and