The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reminded political parties, independent candidates, and their supporters that they have until midnight on Tuesday to campaign ahead of the 2026 local government elections. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya emphasized that all campaigning, including door-to-door canvassing, demonstrations, and rallies, must stop before voters head to the polls on Wednesday. This measure aims to protect voters from intimidation and interference, allowing them to make their choices freely.
Moepya highlighted that the restrictions are part of the electoral timetable and are intended to provide voters with the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose freely without intimidation and interference. He warned parties and candidates to observe regulations governing political activity in and around voting stations, which will open at 7am on Wednesday. The IEC chairperson also outlined several rules voters and political stakeholders must follow to protect the secrecy and integrity of the voting process.
To ensure the secrecy of every vote, a fundamental principle of South Africa's democracy, voters must present a valid South African identity document, which may be a green barcoded ID book, smart ID card, or temporary identity certificate. Ballot papers must be marked in secret inside designated voting booths, and taking photographs of completed or marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited. Moepya emphasized that the secrecy of every vote must always be protected.
The IEC also warned against party regalia, campaign materials, canvassing, and attempts to influence voters inside or in the immediate vicinity of voting stations. However, voters are not prohibited from wearing political party shirts or colours. Party agents, on the other hand, are subject to the restrictions on party regalia. Additionally, the IEC urged the public to use social media responsibly and verify election-related information through official channels before sharing it.
Moepya encouraged registered voters to verify their registration details and voting station information before leaving home to avoid unnecessary delays. Voters can verify their registration and voting station details through various channels, including WhatsApp, the IEC Contact Centre, SMS, and the IEC website. The commission also encouraged voters to check their sequence numbers on the voters' roll to help election officials locate them more quickly.
Department of home affairs offices will remain open nationwide throughout election day to assist voters who need identity documents. Those who have lost or misplaced their documents are encouraged to approach the department for assistance. Moepya called on political parties, independent candidates, observers, the media, and members of the public to contribute to a peaceful election.
As the country prepares to elect its municipal representatives, Moepya emphasized that the local government elections mark 30 years of democracy in South Africa. He called on South Africans to protect the democratic gains made since 1996 and urged eligible voters to cast their ballots in a free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral process. Voting stations will open at 7am and close at 9pm on Wednesday.
Key points
- The IEC has warned political parties to stop campaigning by midnight ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
- Voters must present a valid South African identity document to cast their ballots.
- Department of home affairs offices will remain open on election day to assist voters who need identity documents.
