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IEC says campaigning is banned only at voting stations

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

On voting day for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the Electoral Commission said parties may not campaign within voting station boundaries. It said other political activity is not banned outright. Voting stations opened at 7:00am and close at 9:00pm.

The Commission issued a statement on which political activities are prohibited inside and outside voting stations. It said the law does not require a period of silence from campaigners on election day. Campaigning inside the boundaries of a voting station is still banned.

A person who breaks the campaigning rules can face a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.

The Commission also reminded voters how to check their registration. A voter can send an ID number by SMS, which costs R1 per message.

Key facts

Who
Electoral Commission (South African electoral body that issued the statement on campaigning rules); Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body briefing the media)
What
On voting day for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the IEC issued a statement explaining which political activities are prohibited inside and outside voting stations, and reminded voters how to verify their registration. Voting stations opened at 07h00 and close at 21h00.
When
4 November 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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