Shiburi explained that the existing code of conduct has been updated to align with modern campaign mechanisms.
An additional Electoral Code of Conduct will be enforced by the Electoral Commission (IEC) to combat disinformation ahead of the local elections.
The Electoral Commission Deputy Chief Officer, Masego Shiburi, recently explained the new measures that will be implemented, the importance of combating disinformation, voter registration, and preparations.
Aims to combat disinformation
He emphasised that there must be a free flow of correct information to facilitate informed decision-making for the existing public.
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View Map“There is an existing code (of conduct). It has been updated to bring it in line with modern campaign mechanisms on new media, digital media, and social media.” Shiburi added.
He explained that the code has been extended to help the IEC cap the spread of disinformation.
“And by disinformation, we mean false information, knowing it to be so,” Shiburi noted.
Extended code of conduct
He added that the code aims to restrict the ability of contestants, political parties, and independent candidates to campaign on the basis of falsehoods.
“The code will bind political contestants, candidates, and their supporters,” Shiburi noted.
“So, the balance that we need to strike is to allow a free flow of information in a democracy, but only curb that which is harmful to proper informed participation and those things that could lead to the elections being characterised as unfree and unfair,” he added.
Report false information
He noted that the commission is not vested with the authority to make findings that a breach has occurred, nor can it impose sanctions.
“If the commission investigates and forms an opinion that there may be a breach, it must refer that matter to the electoral court, for the court to impose sanctions,” Shiburi explained.
“However, we are proactively working with big social media and tech companies for self-regulation so that we can refer false content to them so it can be taken down from their platforms,” he added.
Collaborative efforts
Shiburi explained that the IEC is working with political parties again to self-regulate and limit false information put out in their name.
“We will also create a portal through which people can then raise the issues so that we can attend to them, either ask for a take-down or, if it is serious enough, ask the electoral court to impose punitive sanctions on the offending party or candidate,” Shiburi explained.
