A holy alliance: public opinion on political party coalitions in South Africa

Abstract

For the past 20 years, the HSRC has been involved in electoral research in support of the Independent Electoral Commission. With debates focusing on a predicted era of coalition governments ahead of the national and provincial elections on 29 May, this article looks at understanding public perceptions of coalition governments. Given the nation's history of apartheid and its subsequent transition to democracy, it is plausible that perceptions regarding coalitions are rooted in broader sentiments about political representation, inclusivity and power- sharing.