This title illustrates the impact of HIV/AIDS on electoral processes in South Africa and provides evidence of the influence of the pandemic on the democratic process. It is part of an ongoing Africa-wide study by the Governance and AIDS programme of the institute for democracy in South Africa (IDASA). It does not equate elections with democracy nor does it reduce HIV/AIDS to a vote. Instead it provides empirical evidence of the effect of the biggest challenge facing Africa today and how it may shape the dynamics of our politics. It demonstrates that HIV/AIDS is not just a health crisis, but a pandemic that has implications for political and social processes. The analysis and results presented in this title show that HIV/AIDS may undermine the democratic project in South Africa and Africa by destabilising electoral systems; reducing political party support bases and the ability to compete; decreasing the participation in public policy processes of citizens infected and affected by the pandemic; and potentially undermining the capacity of electoral management bodies (EMB)s to conduct elections effectively.