IEC Cracks down on election lies: Parties get 36 hours to correct false claims

South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has implemented new regulations requiring political parties and candidates to address false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The Disinformation Code aims to ensure election integrity by holding parties accountable for all election-related communications, both online and offline. Under the code, parties must verify the accuracy of shared information, retract falsehoods promptly, and avoid tactics like fake accounts, bot networks, and cyberbullying. Legitimate political debate and criticism remain protected, but AI-generated content must be clearly labeled, and political ads must disclose their sponsors. The IEC also emphasizes protecting its staff from targeted disinformation.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has introduced the Disinformation Code to combat false content and ensure fair local elections scheduled for 4 November. Effective from 4 September 2026, the code mandates accuracy, transparency, and accountability in election-related communication, both online and offline. Political parties and candidates are required to check the accuracy of information before sharing it and take responsibility for content published by them, on their behalf, or for them. They must publicly retract and correct any false or misleading information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it and censure those responsible where appropriate. The Disinformation Code, promulgated in the government gazette on Friday, allows for lawful criticism, opinion, commentary, fair reporting, satire, parody, or legitimate democratic debate, provided these fall within the realm of protected speech. It prohibits deceptive practices such as fake accounts, bot networks, coordinated inauthentic behavior, doxing, and cyberbullying. Parties and candidates must also label AI-generated content clearly before distribution and ensure political advertising is clearly labeled so the public can identify who is behind it. The code applies to all election-related communication, whether paid or unpaid, online or offline. The IEC emphasized that the Disinformation Code is subject to the same sanctions as violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct, as outlined in Section 88(a) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 27 of 2000. The code specifically prohibits disinformation targeting the IEC or its staff, requiring political parties and candidates to publicly correct such disinformation when it occurs. Members of the public, political parties, candidates, and organizations can report suspected election-related disinformation through Real411. Reports can pertain to disinformation targeting the electoral process, contestants, the IEC, or its staff. Political parties and candidates are expected to promote awareness of the code among their members and supporters and support broader efforts on media literacy and voter education. The IEC stated that the code is part of the Electoral Code of Conduct and that compliance with the Disinformation Code will be a condition of participation in the electoral code of conduct signing ceremony on 23 September 2026. The code remains in effect until the declaration of the election results.

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News24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 90Sep 8

IEC’s Disinformation Code cracks down on false content in local elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has introduced the Disinformation Code to combat false content during the upcoming 4 November local elections. The code, which became effective on September 4, mandates accuracy, transparency, and accountability in election-related communication, both online and offline. It requires political parties and candidates to report instances of online disinformation within 36 hours and to publicly retract and correct false information. The code is based on Section 88(a) of the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act 2000 and includes provisions against deceptive practices such as fake accounts, bot networks, and doxing. It also requires clear labeling of AI-generated content and political advertisements.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the Disinformation Code as a neutral regulatory measure aimed at ensuring election integrity. While the subject matter is politically charged due to its implications for electoral fairness, the framing remains balanced, focusing on the rules and expectations rather than taking a

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reflects the key points of the Disinformation Code, including the 36-hour reporting requirement and the intent to protect election integrity. It matches the information provided in the IOL article and does not introduce any conflicting or unsupported claims.

Why objectivity (90): The writing style is objective, focusing on the facts and official statements without injecting personal viewpoints or emotional language. The article presents the information in a balanced manner.

IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 90Sep 8

IEC Cracks down on election lies: Parties get 36 hours to correct false claims

Bias read (Center): The article presents the IEC's new regulations neutrally, focusing on the implementation of rules designed to combat disinformation in elections. It outlines the requirements for political parties and candidates without showing favoritism toward any side. The framing is balanced, emphasizing the IEC

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the introduction of the Disinformation Code by the IEC, including the 36-hour correction period and the scope of the code. It aligns with the cross-source consensus from News24, which confirms similar details. The article does not add any unsupported claims beyond what

Why objectivity (90): The tone is neutral and informative, presenting the facts without emotional language or bias. The article focuses on the requirements of the code without taking sides or expressing personal opinions.

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IEC Cracks down on election lies: Parties get 36 hours to correct false claims

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