The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is calling for public comment on a draft code to penalize the spread of election disinformation [1].
This initiative aims to protect the integrity of the democratic process by curbing the influence of misleading content before voters head to the polls. As synthetic media becomes more sophisticated, the commission is attempting to establish clear boundaries for digital campaigning to ensure a fair environment for all participants.
The proposed Electoral Code of Conduct on Countering Disinformation targets a wide range of deceptive practices. Specifically, the rules would penalize political parties and candidates for disseminating fake news, AI-generated deepfakes, and other misleading election content [1, 2]. The IEC said these regulations are intended to strengthen electoral integrity by preventing the manipulation of the electorate through false narratives [3, 4].
These measures are being developed ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections [1, 5]. By establishing a formal code of conduct, the commission seeks to hold political actors accountable for the information they distribute during the campaign cycle, a move intended to reduce the volatility often caused by viral misinformation.
The public has until July 21, 2026, to submit their comments on the draft [1, 2, 6]. This window allows citizens and stakeholders to provide feedback on how the rules should be enforced and what constitutes a punishable offense under the new guidelines.
The commission is prioritizing the identification of fake accounts and the proliferation of AI-driven lies that could skew public perception [4]. This effort reflects a broader global trend of electoral bodies grappling with the rapid evolution of generative AI in political warfare.
“The rules would penalize political parties and candidates for disseminating fake news, AI-generated deepfakes, and other misleading election content.”
South Africa's move to regulate AI and disinformation signals a shift toward proactive electoral policing. By targeting the candidates and parties themselves rather than just the platforms, the IEC is attempting to create a legal deterrent against the use of deepfakes. The success of this code will depend on the commission's ability to distinguish between political spin and actionable disinformation without infringing on free speech.
