As South Africans headed to the polls on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) warned of a surge in misinformation and false claims aimed at undermining confidence in the local municipal election. Videos and posts circulating on social media platforms, including X, TikTok, and Facebook, have made unsubstantiated allegations of vote rigging and manipulation of ballot papers. The IEC has attributed the spread of misinformation to ordinary procedures being presented as evidence of election fraud.
The IEC has reported that some of the false claims include videos showing IEC officials transporting ballot boxes and transferring special-vote envelopes, which are being presented as evidence of election rigging. However, investigations by Africa Check have found no evidence of vote rigging. One widely circulated video filmed in Rustenburg showed a sealed and labelled ballot box, which was verified as a home-visit ballot box. The IEC has urged voters not to treat these claims as genuine.
The IEC has also raised concerns about intimidation, interference with election officials, and attempts to disrupt voting. While there is a great deal of misinformation, some genuine election-related offences have occurred, including arrests and cases involving alleged intimidation, damage to election materials, and impersonation of officials. The commission has explicitly rejected allegations that asylum seekers and undocumented foreign nationals are being registered to vote to manipulate the election.
Only South African citizens are eligible to vote in local government elections, the IEC has stated. The commission has also warned against fabricated opinion polls circulating on social media, including a graphic claiming the ANC has 43% support in Tshwane and a purported poll showing the EFF leading in Gauteng. Africa Check has established that these polls are fabricated and warns against treating them as genuine.
A fraudulent campaign purporting to offer an ANC R300 giveaway has also been flagged by Africa Check as one of the election-related scams being circulated to exploit voters. The Business Day has reported that more than 700 election-related disinformation complaints have been received by the IEC, relating to misinformation, incitement to violence, hate speech, and harassment.
The IEC has urged voters to verify information through official channels and to report any suspicious activity. The commission has also assured voters that it is working to ensure the integrity of the election process. Voters have been advised to be cautious of fake news and to rely on credible sources of information.
The spread of misinformation has raised concerns about the potential impact on voter turnout and confidence in the election process. The IEC has emphasized the importance of a free and fair election and has urged all stakeholders to respect the democratic process.
Key points
- The IEC has received over 700 election-related disinformation complaints.
- Fabricated opinion polls and fake giveaway campaigns are being circulated to exploit voters.
- The IEC has urged voters to verify information through official channels.
