IN-DEPTH | Election polls are not the gospel but are important for a snapshot of where we are going

Experts and research foundations use polls to track trends over time, offering insights into potential shifts in political landscapes and voter preferences. Muhammad Hussian speaks to three pollsters to understand whether polls can be regarded as a definitive prediction of election outcomes.

Election polls are not the gospel and should be taken with some pinch of salt as they are subject to limitations too - with experts adding these polls serve as an important mix of election information.

These polls, which gauge the support parties have among South Africans, were "only true for the time when it was conducted. It is like taking a photograph of society at a specific time", said Ipsos knowledge director Mari Harris.