Preferences of South African Voters on Political Party Stances on The Israel-Hamas Conflict
This report investigates the preferences of registered South African voters towards South African political parties' stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict. It does so via three questions asking if a party were to take a more pro-Israeli, pro-Hamas or neutral stance would that make voters more or less likely to vote for that particular party. The data in the report comes from a survey of 1 204 demographically and geographically representative registered voters conducted by the Foundation during September of 2024. That survey had a margin of error of 3%.
If a party had strong support for Israel and strong opposition to Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By race
If a party had strong support for Israel and strong opposition to Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By education
If a party had strong support for Israel and strong opposition to Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By party affiliation
If a party had strong support for Hamas and strong opposition to Israel, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By race
If a party had strong support for Hamas and strong opposition to Israel, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By education
If a party had strong support for Hamas and strong opposition to Israel, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By party affiliation
If a party had no strong support for either Israel or Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By race
If a party had no strong support for either Israel or Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By education
If a party had no strong support for either Israel or Hamas, would you be more or less likely to vote for it?
By party affiliation
TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS
The data reflects a previous Foundation poll insight that South African voters have an aversion to political parties that talk about the Israel-Hamas war. Parties that come out strongly in favour of either group are likely to court negative responses from their supporters and opponents alike. Parties that take a neutral stance are also on balance likely to court negative responses. An inference is that South African voters would prefer their politicians to focus on domestic policy issues.
