As South Africans prepare to vote in the local government elections on November 4, 2026, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reported over 700 cases of election-related disinformation. IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo stated that some complaints involved content circulating on social media platforms, including manipulated photographs using AI. However, he noted that these incidents had not significantly disrupted the electoral environment.
In Limpopo, police have arrested two suspects in two separate cases involving election-related offenses. The suspects were allegedly involved in the unlawful removal of election posters and intimidation. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the IEC in ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process.
Special voting began on November 2, 2026, with some voting stations reporting a quiet morning with no long queues. At the Lapeng child and family resource centre in Joubert Park, Joburg, elderly voters were expected to cast their special votes. The IEC has been briefing the media on the progress of special voting, with the second day of special voting taking place on November 3.
The spread of misinformation and disinformation has emerged as a growing concern ahead of the local government elections. The IEC has received complaints about manipulated content on social media platforms, including photographs and AI-generated information. The commission has assured voters that it is working to address these issues and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
In KwaZulu-Natal, ballot boxes and a training module were reported stolen from Amahlongwa Community Hall in Zambeni. The IEC reported that replacement election material was delivered, and the voting station was operational. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and security measures to protect the electoral process.
Various parties have been making their final push to win over voters ahead of the elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed supporters at the ANC's final rally, stating that the party would use the elections to prove its critics wrong. He also warned that ANC councillors and mayors who fail to serve communities or misuse public funds would be removed from their positions.
Other parties, including the EFF and the MK Party, have also been actively campaigning. The EFF was dealt an embarrassing court blow after the Electoral Court found that the party nominated a man as its ward councillor candidate without his consent. MK Party president Jacob Zuma told thousands of supporters that the party would soon take over the land and lead many municipalities.
Key points
- The IEC has received over 700 cases of election-related disinformation.
- Incidents of stolen ballot boxes and manipulated content on social media platforms have been reported.
- Various parties, including the ANC, EFF, and MK Party, are making their final push to win over voters ahead of the elections.
