The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has gazetted a new code aimed at tackling disinformation ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation in the Local Government Elections, known as the Disinformation Code, was promulgated on 4 September. It forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct and is intended to protect the integrity of the elections while promoting free, fair and orderly polls.
The code does not restrict legitimate political debate. It protects lawful criticism, opinions, commentary, fair reporting, satire, parody and other forms of protected speech.
It applies to political parties, candidates and anyone acting on their instructions, authority or for their benefit. The rules cover election-related communication both online and offline, whether paid or unpaid.
What parties and candidates must do
Under the Disinformation Code, political parties and candidates must:
-Verify information before sharing it and take responsibility for content published on their behalf.
-Publicly retract and correct false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it.
-Take appropriate action against those responsible for spreading false information.
-Avoid deceptive practices such as fake accounts, bot networks, coordinated inauthentic behaviour, doxing and cyberbullying.
-Clearly label AI-generated or synthetic content before distributing it.
-Clearly identify political advertising and who is responsible for it.
-Report suspected online election disinformation to Real411 within 36 hours.
-Promote awareness of the code among their members and supporters, while supporting media literacy and voter education.
The IEC said the code specifically prohibits disinformation targeting the Electoral Commission and its staff. Political parties and candidates are required to publicly correct such information when it occurs.
Where to report disinformation
The IEC has designated Real411 as the platform for reporting and tracking suspected election-related disinformation.
Individuals, political parties, candidates and organisations can use the platform to report suspected disinformation targeting the electoral process, election contestants, the IEC or its staff.
Enforcement
The Disinformation Code came into effect on 4 September 2026 and will remain in force until the election results are declared.
Because it forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct, violations can be subject to the same sanctions that apply to breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct under the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000.
Political parties and candidates will also formally commit to complying with the Disinformation Code during the electoral code of conduct signing ceremony on 23 September 2026.
The Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation in the Local Government Elections, known as the Disinformation Code, was promulgated on 4 September. It forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct and is intended to protect the integrity of the elections while promoting free, fair and orderly polls.
The code does not restrict legitimate political debate. It protects lawful criticism, opinions, commentary, fair reporting, satire, parody and other forms of protected speech.
It applies to political parties, candidates and anyone acting on their instructions, authority or for their benefit. The rules cover election-related communication both online and offline, whether paid or unpaid.
What parties and candidates must do
Under the Disinformation Code, political parties and candidates must:
-Verify information before sharing it and take responsibility for content published on their behalf.
-Publicly retract and correct false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it.
-Take appropriate action against those responsible for spreading false information.
-Avoid deceptive practices such as fake accounts, bot networks, coordinated inauthentic behaviour, doxing and cyberbullying.
-Clearly label AI-generated or synthetic content before distributing it.
-Clearly identify political advertising and who is responsible for it.
-Report suspected online election disinformation to Real411 within 36 hours.
-Promote awareness of the code among their members and supporters, while supporting media literacy and voter education.
The IEC said the code specifically prohibits disinformation targeting the Electoral Commission and its staff. Political parties and candidates are required to publicly correct such information when it occurs.
Where to report disinformation
The IEC has designated Real411 as the platform for reporting and tracking suspected election-related disinformation.
Individuals, political parties, candidates and organisations can use the platform to report suspected disinformation targeting the electoral process, election contestants, the IEC or its staff.
Enforcement
The Disinformation Code came into effect on 4 September 2026 and will remain in force until the election results are declared.
Because it forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct, violations can be subject to the same sanctions that apply to breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct under the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000.
Political parties and candidates will also formally commit to complying with the Disinformation Code during the electoral code of conduct signing ceremony on 23 September 2026.
