Political Parties Pledge Peaceful Campaigning Ahead of November 4 Elections
Leaders from South Africa’s major political parties gathered in Midrand to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct. The signing ceremony was led by IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya, who warned that public trust in democracy is falling.
Why Trust in Democracy Is Low
According to the IEC’s 2025/2026 Voter Participation Survey, done with the Human Sciences Research Council:
- Only 17 % of adults are satisfied with the country’s democratic direction.
- 68 % say they are dissatisfied.
- About half of eligible citizens are still not registered to vote.
Moepya described the situation as “profound structural disillusionment,” pointing to economic hardship, poor service delivery, and skepticism toward political parties, municipal councils, and the IEC itself.
The survey also challenged the idea that young people are simply apathetic:
- 69 % of youth respondents believe their vote will not make a real difference.
- 78 % think parties become indistinguishable once they are in power.
What the Electoral Code of Conduct Covers
The code aims to give all 136 790 candidates an equal chance to campaign without fear or unfair tactics. Parties and candidates promise to:
- Reject political violence, intimidation, sabotage, and threats.
- Respect voters, the IEC, and the media.
- Allow journalists access to political events and protect them from harassment.
- Never publish a journalist’s private information online.
Commitments from Party Leaders
ANC
Secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula said the ANC will campaign vigorously but lawfully, refusing violence, intimidation, lies, and disinformation.
ActionSA
Leader Herman Mashaba stressed that democracy is bigger than any party or candidate and promised no intimidation, violence, or false information.
DA
Federal chair Solly Msimanga emphasized that peaceful elections must be protected throughout the campaign, not just on voting day, so voters can hear competing ideas and make their own choices.
EFF
Secretary‑general Marshall Dlamini pledged peaceful elections, urged members to treat voters with respect, and called on law enforcement to stay impartial.
MK Party
President Jacob Zuma welcomed the joint commitment to the electoral process, while noting that the party’s dispute with the IEC over the 2024 national election results remains unresolved.
Protection for Journalists
Moepya highlighted Article 8 of the code, which requires parties to:
- Let journalists attend public meetings, marches, demonstrations, and rallies.
- Take reasonable steps to shield them from harassment, intimidation, threats, and physical assault.
- Never post a journalist’s home address, personal contacts, or family details online.
Fighting Disinformation
With misinformation spreading fast on social media, the code now includes specific rules:
- Parties must verify information before sharing it.
- Any false or misleading content must be corrected publicly within 36 hours of discovery.
- Coordinated misinformation networks, shadow accounts, sock puppets, and deceptive AI use are banned.
- AI‑generated campaign material and paid ads must be clearly labelled.
Learning from 2024 Technical Glitches
After problems during the 2024 national and provincial elections, the IEC has:
- Upgraded and stress‑tested voter management devices.
- Performed end‑to‑end functionality testing on the results system.
- Allowed parties to test the results system with independent experts between October 5 and 12.
- Recruited and trained 23 696 presiding officers and 29 964 deputy presiding officers.
- Intensified voter education efforts.
Ballot Paper Preparation
The IEC will start printing ballot papers after the draw that set the party order on the ballots. A total of 4 488 wards will receive ballots. Parties and independent candidates can inspect and sign sample ballot papers at their local IEC offices from 10 am on Friday, September 25.
Conclusion
Moepya urged leaders to view the signing not as a publicity stunt but as a real promise to rebuild trust between the state and the streets. By campaigning peacefully, respecting the media, fighting false information, and ensuring smooth technical operations, the parties hope to revive confidence in South Africa’s democracy ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
