MIDRAND, Gauteng – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has officially launched its national campaign for the 2026 local government elections, revealing that more than 70% of eligible young voters remain unregistered ahead of the November 4 polls.
The Midrand event underscored youth participation as a central pillar of the Commission’s strategy, while also addressing escalating concerns about digital disinformation. A key announcement included the forthcoming introduction of a social media code of conduct designed to guide the IEC’s response to online misinformation during the election period.
Dr. Victor Shale, the IEC’s Deputy Chief Electoral Officer for Community Outreach, outlined the Commission’s multi-platform outreach strategy. “We capitalize on the youth dividend with targeted messaging to ensure more young people join the voters’ roll,” Dr. Shale stated. He acknowledged the “avalanche of disinformation” facing electoral institutions and confirmed the IEC is collaborating with civil society organizations to mitigate its impact. Dr. Shale also addressed the climate of mistrust affecting Chapter 9 institutions, emphasizing that the Commission’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness has contributed to measurable growth in voter registrations.
The political environment for the 2026 elections was described as particularly complex, with a Government of National Unity operating at the national level and new political formations—including parties contesting local government elections for the first time—entering the race alongside numerous smaller parties.
Representing the African National Congress, the party’s Chief Whip welcomed the IEC’s emphasis on youth engagement. “The future of our country depends on the role played by the youth,” the Chief Whip said, affirming the ANC’s dual focus: mobilizing new young voters while retaining support among its longstanding base of voters aged 50 and above.
Reflecting on the 2024 national elections, the ANC Chief Whip highlighted the party’s decision to accept the results without objection despite receiving approximately 40% of the vote—the ANC’s lowest share since 1994. “We understood that this is the will of the people of South Africa,” the spokesperson stated, calling on all political parties to act responsibly and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. “We have a duty as a governing party to ensure that we support the work of the IEC and to ensure that our country enjoys stability.”
Addressing broader socioeconomic challenges, the ANC representative identified unemployment, crime, and corruption as central to voter sentiment. “It’s not going to count what we say, especially for the governing party. What matters most is what you do,” the Chief Whip emphasized, stressing the need for visible, evidence-based interventions to improve economic conditions and public trust in governance.
With campaigning already underway for the November 2026 local government elections, the IEC’s national campaign aims to boost voter registration—particularly among young South Africans—while safeguarding the electoral process against disinformation and deepening political polarization.
