South Africa's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has developed a draft code of conduct aimed at curbing misinformation and disinformation during the upcoming local government elections campaign season. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo emphasized the dual nature of social media, acknowledging its ability to expand information access while also being vulnerable to manipulation. The draft code, to be released for public comment, builds on previous initiatives like the Real411 platform and collaboration with civil society. IEC Chair Mosotho Moepya highlighted the systemic risks posed by digital-era misinformation, referencing the World Economic Forum's classification of this threat as a top global risk. The commission aims to safeguard information integrity and electoral credibility through policy measures and public engagement.
Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo. Picture: BUSINESS DAY/) has developed a draft code of conduct to crack down on misinformation and disinformation during this campaign season, which it will disseminate for public comment.
This is intended to embed safeguards against fraudulent and manipulated content to preserve information integrity during the elections. Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said the commission recognises that the pervasive use of social media is a double-edged sword.
“It expands access to information, enhances active participation and broadens reach for political parties and candidates beyond that which traditional media can achieve. ” However, Mamabolo conceded that it was also susceptible to manipulation and distortion, which could undermine information integrity. Mamabolo said the commission previously mitigated “the bane of this disinformation” through collaboration with civil society and the use of the “Real411″ platform for flagging and reporting misleading content.
“This work has been strengthened through policy development. Guided by the constitution and other relevant prescripts, the commission will issue a draft code of conduct on misinformation for public comment,” Mamabolo said. The commission will reinforce the fight against the threat of disinformation and information inaccuracy, and will boost integrity through policy development. Mamabolo made the remarks at the IEC’s media launch of its communications campaign ahead of the local government elections in November.
The event took place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday. IEC chair Mosotho Moepya also warned against the proliferation of systemic misinformation and disinformation brought about by the digital era.
“While digital connectivity expands our reach, it simultaneously exposes our electoral ecosystem to severe vulnerability. We are operating in an era defined by what the World Economic Forum classifies as a premier global risk. ” Moepya said it was proven the world over how dangerous unchecked information was to trust in public institutions.
“Imperial research establishes that targeted disinformation does not merely mislead; it systematically erodes institutional legitimacy, exacerbates political polarisation and diminishes overall public faith in democratic processes. ” Moepya said the IEC is invested in deep technical, infrastructural and digital upgrades to underpin its operational readiness.
“These innovations reflect an institution that recognises what scholars describe as a hybrid media system. Information no longer flows linearly from state institutions to a passive public. We operate within a decentralised network of real-time digital interactions, of social media discourse and peer-to-peer communication. ” For the commission, Moepya said this meant it had to adapt to this shifting landscape in a manner that had never been done before.
“Our new initiatives seek to transform communication from a periodic information broadcast into a continuous national dialogue. ”
IEC Misinformation Disinformation Code Of Conduct Elections
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
IEC launches new service ahead of 2026 local electionsThe IEC said every election carries its own story and identity.
Read more »
IEC Launches Campaign to 2024 Election to Boost Low Voter InterestThe Independent Electoral Commission has announced a new campaign aimed at raising public awareness, rekindling confidence in democracy, and encouraging those who feel disillusioned to vote in the upcoming elections, amid a survey showing only 17 percent of South Africans are interested in voting
Read more »
IEC launches SA's electoral programme ahead of local govt pollsLast month, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially announced 4 November 2026 as the date for the upcoming local government elections, setting in motion the country’s electoral timetable.
Read more »
IEC prioritises restoring faith in democracy ahead of 2026 LGE - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.The Electoral Commission launched its formal communication campaign for the elections on Wednesday.
Read more »