By Zuko Komisa

- The IEC gazetted a new Disinformation Code on 4 September 2026 to safeguard electoral integrity.
- Political parties and candidates must label AI content, correct false statements within 36 hours, and avoid deceptive online tactics.
- Contraventions face full legal sanctions, with complaints tracked via the Real411 digital reporting platform.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has introduced a new code of conduct to combat disinformation ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026. Promulgated on 4 September, the measure aims to protect election integrity while safeguarding protected speech, including satire, fair commentary, and lawful democratic debate.
Enforceable under Section 88(a) of the Municipal Electoral Act, the rules apply to political parties, candidates, and their representatives across all digital and offline communications.
“The publication of the Disinformation Code is in terms of section 88(a) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000, and it is part of the Electoral Code of Conduct.”
Under the agreement, political entities must verify information before publishing, retract false claims within 36 hours, clearly label AI-generated content and political adverts, and refrain from using bot networks, fake accounts, or cyberbullying. The regulations also explicitly forbid targeted disinformation against the IEC and its staff.
Members of the public and political bodies can report suspected violations directly to the Real411 digital tracking platform. The Code remains active until election results are officially declared, with candidates formally signing their compliance pledge on 23 September 2026.
READ NEXT: