IEC explains what campaigning is allowed on Election Day
The Electoral Commission says campaigning is banned inside voting stations, but some low-key political activity is still allowed outside their boundaries on Election Day.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has clarified what political activity is and is not allowed as South Africans vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections today. According to SAnews, the commission stressed that campaigning inside the boundaries of a voting station is prohibited, but there is no blanket ban on political activity on voting day.
What is banned at voting stations
Within the boundaries of a voting station, the IEC said the following actions are not allowed:
- Displaying or handing out any party billboard, poster, placard or pamphlet.
- Trying to persuade or influence a person to vote, or not to vote, for a particular party.
- Trying to persuade or influence a person not to vote at all.
The commission said the only political activity permitted inside a voting station is the casting of ballots.
What is allowed outside
Outside the demarcated boundaries, political activity may continue, but the IEC said certain forms of it are prohibited there. These include political meetings, marches, demonstrations and other political events. The commission said that, in general, “the law does not enforce campaign silence on election day”.
The IEC said the rules are meant to let voters exercise their right freely while still allowing low-key campaigning without organised public events.
Breaking this legal provision is a serious offence. Penalties include fines or imprisonment of up to five years. The commission urged parties, candidates, supporters and voters to respect the rules so the election is smooth, free and fair.
What this means for voters
Voting stations opened at 07h00 this morning and will stay open until 21h00. The IEC said voters who are within the boundaries of a voting station at closing time will still be assisted after 21h00.
Voters are encouraged to arrive early and check their registration details before leaving home. You can verify your details in four ways:
- WhatsApp: send your ID number to 0600 88 0000.
- SMS: send your ID number to 32810 (R1 per SMS).
- Phone: call the IEC contact centre on 0800 11 8000.
- Online: visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za.
After verification, you will receive the details of your registered voting station and your voters roll sequence number.
If you see party posters or pamphlets being handed out inside a voting station, that falls under the prohibited conduct the IEC has described.
This story is based on reporting by SAnews.
