IEC sets the ground rules as 2026 election voting begins

The Electoral Commission has emphasised rules that will govern processes at the polling stations as voting gets underway in the 2026 local government elections. Addressing the media at the election results operation centre in Midrand.

Today’s media briefing, Chairperson of the #IEC, Mosotho Moepya, outlined the dos and don’ts at voting stations:

📌No campaigning at voting stations boundaries.
📌Marches are strictly prohibited across the Republic on Election Day.
📌Those in queue after 9p.m can still vote. https://t.co/Az95qYTeSD

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) November 4, 2026

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya has called on political parties and voters to adhere to prescripts, as contravention could lead to prosecution.

“We are saying that campaigning within the boundaries of voting stations is prohibited, organised public events such as marches and rallies, are prohibited anywhere in the republic. Low- key campaigning is permitted anywhere else, either than in the vicinity of the voting station- and lastly, do note that these legal prescripts do not prescribe election silence.”