The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has introduced new rules aimed at tackling election-related disinformation ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Disinformation Code was gazetted on 4 September and forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct. It applies to political parties, candidates and anyone acting on their behalf, both online and offline.
Under the new code, parties and candidates must verify information before sharing it and publicly correct false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it.
They are also prohibited from using deceptive tactics such as fake accounts, bot networks, doxing and cyberbullying. AI-generated content must be clearly labelled, while political advertising must identify who is behind it.
The code also specifically prohibits disinformation targeting the IEC and its staff.
Members of the public, political parties, candidates and organisations can report suspected election-related disinformation through Real411.
The code took effect on 4 September and will remain in force until the election results are declared. Political parties and candidates are expected to commit to the code during the Electoral Code of Conduct signing ceremony on 23 September.
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