New disinformation code introduced ahead of local government elections

The Electoral Commission has introduced a new Disinformation Code aimed at protecting the integrity of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Electoral Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation in the Local Government Elections was promulgated on September 4 ahead of the November 4 elections.

The Electoral Commission said free and fair elections depend not only on proper electoral procedures, but also on credible information that enables voters to make informed choices.

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The code forms part of the Electoral Code of Conduct under the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000. Contraventions are therefore subject to the sanctions provided for under the Act.

What the code covers
The code applies to political parties, candidates and anyone acting on their behalf, including through instruction, authority or reward. It covers election-related communication both online and offline, whether paid or unpaid.

It does not prohibit legitimate political debate, criticism, opinion, commentary, fair reporting, satire or parody where these fall within protected speech.

Under the code, political parties and candidates are required to:
• verify information before sharing it and take responsibility for content published on their behalf;
• publicly correct and retract 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 other synthetic content before distributing it;
• clearly identify political advertising;
• report suspected online disinformation to Real411 within 36 hours of becoming aware of it; and
• promote awareness of the code among members and supporters, as well as media literacy and voter education.
The code also specifically prohibits disinformation targeting the Electoral Commission or its staff and requires parties and candidates to publicly correct such information when it occurs.

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Reporting disinformation

The Electoral Commission has designated Real411 as the platform for reporting suspected election-related disinformation.

Members of the public, political parties, candidates and organisations can submit complaints concerning suspected disinformation relating to the electoral process, contestants, the Electoral Commission or its staff. Real411 says complaints are reviewed through its Digital Complaints Committee process.
Complaints can be submitted through the Real411 elections platform.

The Disinformation Code took effect on September 4 and will remain in force until the election results are declared.

The Electoral Commission said the code is intended to support free, fair and orderly elections while protecting legitimate democratic debate and freedom of expression.