Political parties and independent candidates in Mpumalanga contesting the 2026 local government elections officially signed the Electoral Code of Conduct pledge at Emnotweni Arena on Friday.

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This code calls for peaceful, tolerant campaigning and respectful public debate. A total of 84 political parties and 43 independent candidates in the province are contesting the elections.

IEC warns against digital disinformation

Delivering the keynote address, Electoral Commission vice chairperson Janet Love placed strong emphasis on the new supporting Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation. She encouraged political representatives to work together with voters to address the growing digital threats posed by disinformation.

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She highlighted the importance of clearly labelling AI-generated content, helping audiences identify such content and make informed decisions before sharing.

She further encouraged attendees to report suspected disinformation through the Real411 online platform.

Real411 platform handles complaints

Real411 is the official platform for reporting misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to elections. All election-related complaints are shared with the Electoral Commission’s Directorate for Electoral Offences. Real411 submits its independent outcomes to the IEC, which assesses each case and ensures that appropriate measures are taken.

“It was created to empower every citizen with the means to combat digital disinformation, and our commitment remains steadfast as we support the integrity of South Africa’s democratic process,” Love said.