IEC says campaigning must stop at midnight before election
Ongoing: Elections Hot
Electoral Commission of South Africa chairperson Mosotho Moepya said parties and candidates may not campaign after midnight on Tuesday. Voting stations open at 7am and close at 9pm on Wednesday for the 2026 local government elections.
Moepya said canvassing, door-to-door campaigns, demonstrations and rallies are also not allowed after midnight. He said the limits aim to protect voters from intimidation and interference. Voters may still wear political party shirts or colours, he said.
Moepya said the IEC has secured all ballot papers and essential election materials and sent them to voting stations. He said logistical, security and operational plans are in place. Reports put the number of voting stations at nearly 24,000, with over 29 million registered voters.
He said the secrecy of every vote must always be protected. He said the IEC does not want people to stand in long queues without need. He called on parties and voters to show tolerance and peace, and urged registered voters to turn out.
The IEC warned that false or misleading information could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Voters can send an SMS to 32810 at a cost of R1 to verify their registration details. The department of home affairs will keep its offices open on election day to help voters with identity documents.
Key facts
- Who
- Mosotho Moepya (IEC Chairperson); Electoral Commission (election management body); Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body, South Africa); Department of Home Affairs (government department keeping offices open on election day)
- What
- IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said all ballot papers and essential election materials have been secured and distributed to voting stations, and called on voters to vote. Voting stations open at 7 am and close at 9 pm on Wednesday.
- When
- 4 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported