IEC warns parties to rebuild public trust after pledging peaceful elections

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya has called on political parties and candidates to help rebuild public trust in South Africa’s democracy during the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct and signing ceremony on Wednesday.

The Electoral Code of Conduct and ballot paper draw ceremony was held at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Gauteng, on Wednesday, 23 September.

Leaders of the various political parties who will be contesting in the 4 November local government elections were present to sign and also pledge fair and peaceful elections through abiding by the Electoral Code of Conduct.

POLITICAL PARTIES SIGN IEC’S ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT

During his address, Moepya highlighted that the elections were taking place against a backdrop of declining confidence in democratic institutions and growing public disillusionment.

According to the 2025/26 Voter Participation Survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), only 17% of adults surveyed expressed satisfaction with the country’s democratic trajectory, while 68% said they were dissatisfied.

The IEC chairperson said the findings should not be interpreted as simple voter apathy, particularly among young people.

He said 69% of youth respondents believed their vote would not make a tangible difference, while 78% felt political parties became indistinguishable once elected.

“This is not a narrative of casual disengagement; it is a story of profound structural disillusionment,” Moepya said.

He urged political parties and candidates to use the election campaign to restore trust by rejecting political violence and intimidation, conducting clean campaigns and focusing political debate on policies and service delivery.

A Pledge for Peaceful and Fair Elections

The pledge and signing of the Code of Conduct reaffirm the responsibility of political parties and candidates to respect the rules governing the electoral process, promote peaceful participation and conduct their campaigns. #WozaLGE2026 pic.twitter.com/EcrrsRdzPt

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) September 23, 2026

JOURNALISTS OUGHT TO BE PROTECTED

Moepya also highlighted the need to protect journalists covering the elections.

He said political parties and candidates must ensure that journalists are not harassed, intimidated or physically attacked while covering political events. He also warned against the publication of journalists’ private information online.

The IEC chairperson raised concerns about misinformation and disinformation on social media, saying contestants have a legal duty to verify information before publishing or sharing it. False or misleading information must be publicly corrected within 36 hours of a party or candidate becoming aware of it, according to the new provisions outlined by the IEC.

With 42 days remaining before election day, Moepya said the IEC had recruited and trained 23 696 presiding officers and 29 964 deputy presiding officers.

The IEC has also completed testing of its results system. Political parties will be given access to test the system with independent experts from 5 to 12 October.

Moepya emphasised that the elections should be characterised by “peace, rigorous truth, and unyielding integrity.”