The Electoral Commission (IEC) has issued an urgent warning regarding a rise in online scams and deepfake misinformation designed to disrupt the voting process.

Fraudsters are currently using fake websites, such as examtapzme.github.io, to impersonate the official commission and steal personal data.

Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo warned that the rise of generative AI is making it easier for people to spread convincing lies. To fight back, the IEC is building an internal social media team to provide credible facts and is seeking partnerships with major tech platforms to limit the reach of fake news.

How to stay safe

Use the right link: The only official 24/7 registration portal is registertovote.elections.org.za.

Ignore fake jobs: A false recruitment notice is currently circulating on social media. Verified opportunities are only listed at elections.org.za.

Trust local sources: While social media use is rising, trust in those platforms remains low. The IEC is focusing on community-based media and translated pamphlets to ensure people get reliable information in their own language.

The race for an election date

The IEC is pushing for an early announcement of the official election date. Under the Constitution, the vote must happen between November 2026 and the end of January 2027.

Also read: When will the elections be? Registration weekend announced as IEC awaits proclamation

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