Addressing trust deficit among political parties and leaders post 2024 elections: here is how

By: Lizzy Ofusori

Trust deficit among political parties refers to the lack of confidence and faith that political parties and their leaders have in each other, as well as the diminished trust that the public holds towards these entities. This deficit can arise from perceived dishonesty, broken promises, lack of transparency, or ineffective governance, leading to skepticism, decreased cooperation, and potential conflict within the political landscape. According to IPSOS Group (2024), currently in South Africa, more than 35% of registered South African voters believe that no political party completely represents their views and opinions. This sentiment creates a considerable dilemma for voters as they navigate their choices in the 2024 national and provincial elections. Moreover, while dedicated supporters of the three major political parties show high levels of trust in their parties, the broader South African population displays low levels of trust in these same parties. The election results depend on how successfully parties and leaders have been able to bridge this gap and appeal to the broader South African population. Hence, addressing this trust deficit among political parties and leaders post-2024 elections require a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering transparency, communication, and collaboration.

Strategies to address trust deficit

This section briefly outlines some of the strategies that can be employed to address the trust deficit among political parties and leaders post-2024.

1. Promoting Open Dialogue: All political parties must establish regular, structured meetings between party leaders to discuss key issues and policies. Parties can work together across political lines to address common issues, showing that they prioritize the country’s well-being over partisan interests. Furthermore, bipartisan committees can work on specific issues, ensuring representation from all major parties. In addition, the political parties can allow healthy discussion within the party on policy issues. A united front does not have to mean a silenced majority.
2. Increase Transparency and Accountability: Political parties can ensure public accountability by being transparent about their policies, decisions, and actions. Consistently providing clear, truthful information about policies, decisions, and party activities helps build credibility. When parties admit mistakes and explain their actions, they demonstrate accountability. Regularly updating citizens on progress and setbacks and being accountable for mistakes can demonstrate integrity. Moreover, political parties can implement mechanisms for greater public accountability, such as regular press briefings, public disclosures of meeting outcomes, and transparent decision-making processes. Also, political parties can create independent oversight bodies to monitor and report on the activities and decisions of political leaders.
3. Building Trust through Collaboration: Political parties can collaborate on joint initiatives that address common goals, such as economic development, healthcare, and education. Also, they can develop shared platforms for policy development, allowing input from multiple parties and stakeholders. Collaborative efforts can help reduce polarization and build public trust. Likewise, the political parties can renew the faith of citizens in democracy by promoting a positive vision of what government can achieve. Also, ensuring that the mode of communication is clear and fact-based, will help in building the citizens’ trust and dispel doubts.
4. Encourage Civil Discourse: Establishing and enforcing a code of conduct for political discourse that promotes respect, civility, and constructive dialogue is essential. Furthermore, political parties can implement conflict resolution mechanisms to address and resolve disputes amicably. Likewise, being proactive against misinformation by providing accurate information and addressing false narratives. Political leaders should make it a point of duty to follow through on campaign pledges and be honest when circumstances necessitate adjustments. Also, their conversation should shift from negativity and blame to presenting clear plans for addressing problems.
5. Engaging the Public: Political parties can organize public forums and town hall meetings to engage with citizens and gather their input on key issues. In addition, they can promote civic education to increase public understanding of political processes and the importance of trust and cooperation among leaders. Educating the public about the importance of civil discourse and the negative impacts of divisive rhetoric can foster a more respectful political environment. Campaigns that promote fact-based discussions and critical thinking can also help. Also, political parties need to create citizen panels that will provide feedback on policy proposals and government actions. Media outlets can also be encouraged to report responsibly and accurately, avoiding sensationalism and fostering informed public debate.
6. Institutional Reforms and inclusive policies: Electoral reforms that promote fair representation and reduce partisanship, such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation should be considered. Similarly, it is essential to strengthen democratic institutions to ensure they are robust, impartial, and capable of upholding the rule of law. Likewise, political parties need to develop policies that address the diverse needs and concerns of all population groups, not just core supporters, and demonstrate a commitment to serving the entire electorate. Inclusive policies show that parties are working for the benefit of everyone.

Conclusion

In the wake of the 2024 elections, addressing the trust deficit among political parties and leaders is crucial for the stability and progress of the nation. By fostering open dialogue, ensuring transparency, promoting bipartisan cooperation, educating the public, actively listening to constituents, combating misinformation, exemplifying respectful behavior, creating inclusive policies, and encouraging responsible media coverage, political parties can rebuild trust and create a more inclusive, respectful, and effective political landscape. These efforts will enhance public confidence and strengthen democratic institutions and processes. Furthermore, rebuilding trust is a long-term endeavor, hence, political parties need to work together with their leaders, parties, and citizens to bridge the gap and create a more functional political system.

Also, for citizens, they should critically evaluate information from politicians and media sources. Moreover, they can also seek out diverse perspectives to form informed opinions. It is also essential to hold leaders accountable, by contacting political parties’ representatives, attending town hall meetings, and expressing their concerns.

Dr. Lizzy Oluwatoyin Ofusori is an academician and a researcher. She writes in her personal capacity.