By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – As political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 local government elections, independent political analyst Valerio Manzini has warned that voters have become far more cautious and discerning, particularly at municipal level, and are no longer easily swayed by party slogans or political defections.
Speaking to The Guard, Manzini said the political landscape in Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) – the Free State’s largest municipality and one of the country’s most politically contested councils – is undergoing a major realignment as politicians switch parties and new political formations emerge in an attempt to take control of the troubled municipality.
However, he cautioned political parties against assuming that voter frustration automatically creates an opportunity for any new political movement.
“The recent movement of politicians between parties demonstrates that local politics is becoming increasingly fluid. Political loyalty is no longer as rigid as it once was. However, these developments should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that a new political party will transform governance,” Manzini said.
He said years of political instability and governance failures have fundamentally changed the way residents evaluate political parties.
According to Manzini, many voters are no longer emotionally attached to party brands but are instead demanding credible leadership, competence and proven governance.
“Voters have become less interested in political labels and far more concerned about who has the ability to govern effectively and deliver services. They want evidence, not promises,” he said.
Manzini linked the current political shifts to a long history of new parties being formed before elections or after internal leadership battles, conferences and factional disputes.
While some of these parties have managed to win seats in government, he said many have struggled to translate electoral victories into effective administration.
“South Africans have witnessed the rise of numerous political parties over the years. Some have entered legislatures successfully, but many have failed to convert electoral support into good governance. That experience has made voters far more cautious.”
He said communities are now asking tougher questions before deciding where to place their trust.
“Today’s voters demand convincing answers. Simply changing political colours or forming another party will not be enough to win their confidence. Political parties must demonstrate that they have the leadership, policies and capacity to fix municipalities,” Manzini said.
With the race for control of Maluti-a-Phofung expected to be fiercely contested, Manzini believes the coming election will be decided not by political branding alone, but by which parties can convince voters they are capable of restoring stability, accountability and service delivery in one of the Free State’s most troubled municipalities.
