Short, sourced explainers on public-interest developments. Every story links to its source and shows its date.
Parties and candidates must publicly retract and correct false or misleading election information within 36 hours of becoming aware of it, and must clearly label AI-generated content. The code protects criticism, commentary, satire and fair reporting. Real411 is the designated reporting channel.
Registered voters who cannot get to their voting station on 4 November can apply online, at local IEC offices or by SMS to 32249. Special voting takes place on 2 and 3 November.
Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni and Cape Town will use double-column PR ballots because more than 48 parties are contesting. Take your time and check both columns.
Election day is Wednesday 4 November 2026. The voters' roll closed on 10 August and was certified on 26 August; the final candidate lists were published on 16 September.
Check claims against official IEC channels, pause before sharing content designed to make you angry or afraid, reverse-search images, and watch for new accounts imitating official handles.
Posts offering thousands of IEC election jobs through shortened links are fraudulent. The Commission publishes real vacancies only on its own website. Never pay a fee or share banking details to apply.
Misinformation is false information shared without intent to deceive. Disinformation is false information deliberately created or shared to mislead. Both can cause harm; the fix starts with checking the source.