IEC launches ‘Get Up. Show Up. Vote’ campaign to boost voter turnout
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has unveiled its new campaign identity, 'Get Up. Show Up. Vote'.
The IEC unveiled its new logo and theme for the upcoming 2026/27 local government elections on Wednesday.
The commission described the campaign as a call to action that is aimed at energising voter participation and rebuilding confidence in the country’s democratic processes.
However, Mosotho Moepya, IEC chair, warned that public trust in democratic institutions is on the decline.
Moepya says South Africa’s democracy is facing a growing trust deficit, three decades after the first democratic elections.
Declining trust in democratic institutions raises concern ahead of elections
Moepya reflected on the country’s electoral journey, noting that while millions of South Africans have voted with hope and dignity over the years, many are now disillusioned as their lived realities have not improved as expected.
The chairperson adds that recent findings by the Human Sciences Research Council serve as a sobering reminder that public trust can no longer be taken for granted.
Focus on youth participation and credible elections for 2026 polls
“The newly launched logo and tagline are designed to reflect a forward-looking, voter-centric democracy, with a strong focus on increasing youth participation while reinforcing the commission’s commitment to credible and accessible elections,” said Moepya.
He has acknowledged the declining public trust in democratic institutions ahead of the Local Government Elections.
A Human Sciences Research Council study recently revealed that there has been a drop in confidence in public institutions over the past three decades.
The study highlights growing scepticism among South Africans about governance and accountability.
Moepya warned that trust cannot be taken for granted and must be rebuilt daily.
He says the upcoming polls present a critical opportunity to restore confidence in South Africa’s democracy.
Moepya has urged people to actively participate, saying democracy depends on engagement, not withdrawal.
"For too many, lived realities have not improved as they had hoped that would be the case. Just a few days ago, we realised and released the Human Sciences Research Council's findings on voter participation. This release was revealing. The findings invite sober reflection on the nation and on the state of our electoral democracy even as we prepare for these elections.”
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