Pretoria: The Electoral Commission is urging South Africans to provide feedback on the draft Electoral Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation before the deadline on 21 July 2026. This initiative aims to protect the integrity of the electoral process as the 2026 Local Government Elections approach.

According to South African Government News Agency, the draft Code, published in the Government Gazette on 30 June 2026, invites input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders including political parties, independent candidates, civil society organisations, media practitioners, and technology companies. The Commission has emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping a framework that supports credible elections while safeguarding constitutional rights.

The Electoral Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation seeks to establish principles that promote ethical communication and accountability. It aims to give practical effect to constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and political participation, while reinforcing legal provisions against the spread of false election-related information. By fostering an informed and credible information environment, the Code aims to enhance resilience against disinformation and manipulation.

The Code also provides guidance for political actors on maintaining standards of conduct and introduces measures to detect and prevent disinformation, especially on digital platforms. The Commission underscores that countering disinformation is a collective responsibility vital to maintaining the integrity of South Africa's democracy.

The Commission highlights the public consultation process as a crucial opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to contribute ideas and proposals. The draft Code is part of the preparations for the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, following a recent voter registration initiative which saw significant public participation.