IEC Invites Public Comment on Draft Electoral Code to Counter Disinformation

Posted 30 June 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Electoral Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Electoral Commission (IEC) has gazetted a draft code of conduct designed to counter disinformation during local government elections, with public submissions open until 22 July 2026.

In terms of the Electoral Commission Act, No. 51 of 1996 and the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, No. 27 of 2000, the proposed code will be established as an additional electoral code of conduct. The regulatory framework aims to safeguard the integrity of local government elections by promoting free, fair, and orderly democratic processes.

The draft code is designed to address the systemic risks posed by the deliberate dissemination of false information during election periods. Once finalised, the code will impose strict guidelines on political parties, independent candidates, and other key stakeholders to prevent the spread of deceptive content that could influence voter behaviour or destabilise the electoral environment.

Key focus areas of the draft code

  • Prohibition of False Information: Strict prohibitions against creating, publishing, or spreading false statements concerning elections, candidates, or political parties.
  • Accountability Measures: Requirements for political entities to actively monitor and counter disinformation campaigns initiated within their ranks or by their supporters.
  • Digital Platform Responsibility: Frameworks to address the rapid spread of digital disinformation on social media and online platforms.

Stakeholders, legal practitioners, and members of the public have until 22 July 2026 to submit written representations and comments on the draft code to the IEC.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, professional awareness of the evolving regulatory standards surrounding digital communication and electoral integrity is recommended.
  • For your business: Compliance officers and legal advisors within media houses, public relations firms, and digital platforms must review the draft code to assess potential operational liabilities and update internal content moderation policies.
  • For your clients: Clients contesting local government elections, including political parties, candidates, and advocacy groups, must align their campaign strategies, social media protocols, and public statements with the draft code to mitigate the risk of regulatory penalties or disqualification.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/local-government-elections-input-sought-on-countering-disinformation-code-of-conduct

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