IEC Releases Draft Code of Conduct to Counter Election Misinformation
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has published a draft code of conduct aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and disinformation during the upcoming November local elections. The document, which will be open for public comment, outlines measures designed to protect the integrity of electoral information in an increasingly digital media environment.
Context and Rationale
IEC Returning Officer Sy Mamabolo explained that the initiative stems from the commission’s recognition that while social media expands voter access and participation, it also creates avenues for manipulation. “It expands access to information, encourages active participation and extends the reach of political parties and candidates beyond what traditional media can achieve,” Mamabolo said. However, he added that the same platforms are vulnerable to distortion that could undermine public trust.
The draft code draws on South Africa’s Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international best practices to establish clear standards for political actors, media outlets, and online platforms operating during the election period.
Role of Social Media and Digital Platforms
IEC Chairman Mosotho Moepya highlighted the dual nature of digital connectivity, noting that the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023 identifies information pollution as one of the greatest global risks. Moepya warned that unverified content can erode confidence in democratic institutions.
“Imperial research shows that targeted disinformation not only misleads; it systematically undermines institutional legitimacy, exacerbates political polarization, and weakens overall public trust in democratic processes.”
— Imperial College London, 2022 study on digital misinformation
Such findings underscore why the IEC is moving beyond reactive fact‑checking to proactive policy measures.
Existing Measures and the Real411 Platform
Prior to the draft code, the IEC partnered with civil society organisations and utilised the Real411 platform to flag and report misleading content. Mamabolo noted that this collaboration helped “mitigate the curse of this disinformation” during previous electoral cycles.
The new code will formalise these efforts by:
- Setting clear definitions of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
- Requiring political parties and candidates to label sponsored content and avoid deep‑fake media.
- Mandating rapid takedown procedures for verified false claims reported through official channels.
- Encouraging transparency in algorithmic curation by major social media platforms operating in South Africa.
Expert Perspectives on Disinformation Risks
Academics and media watchdogs have long warned that unchecked false narratives can sway voter behaviour and destabilise electoral outcomes. A 2021 study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that exposure to fabricated political news increased the likelihood of vote shifting by up to 7 % in simulated elections (doi:10.1038/s41562-021-01108-9).
By anchoring the draft code in constitutional principles and evidence‑based research, the IEC aims to align its actions with both national law and global standards for information integrity.
IEC’s Technical Upgrades and Future Outlook
Moepya affirmed that the commission is investing in deep technical, infrastructural, and digital upgrades to support real‑time monitoring and rapid response capabilities. These investments reflect an understanding of today’s hybrid media ecosystem, where information flows through decentralised networks of peer‑to‑peer communication, social media discourse, and traditional outlets.
The IEC envisions transforming its communication strategy from a one‑way broadcast into an ongoing national dialogue, thereby fostering greater voter education and resilience against manipulative content.
Conclusion and Public Consultation
The draft code of conduct will be available for public comment on the IEC’s official website. Stakeholders — including political parties, media organisations, civil society groups, and individual citizens — are invited to submit feedback before the final version is adopted.
Through this consultative process, the IEC hopes to build a robust framework that safeguards electoral integrity while respecting freedom of expression, ultimately strengthening South Africa’s democratic processes in the digital age.
