The Electoral Commission (IEC) has warned political parties, potential candidates, and their supporters against using the Commission’s name, logo, and other intellectual property in election campaign material ahead of the November 4, 2026, Local Government Elections.
The Commission said the practice is unlawful and could mislead voters by creating the impression that it endorses or supports a particular party or candidate.
The Commission said it had noted with concern instances of its branding and identifiers being used in campaign material and reminded political parties, independent candidates, campaign teams, and supporters that such conduct contravenes the Electoral Act.
In a statement, the Commission said Section 21A of the Electoral Commission Act prohibits the use of the names “Electoral Commission”, “Independent Electoral Commission” and “IEC”, as well as the IEC logo and other Commission-owned material, in political parties’ or candidates’ election campaign activities.
The Commission also said the law prohibits the use of any identifier associated with the Electoral Commission in connection with any trade, business, profession, or occupation.
It said the provisions were intended to safeguard its independence, integrity, and impartiality, while preventing any misrepresentation of its role in the electoral process.
“The purpose of these provisions is to protect the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the Electoral Commission and to prevent any misrepresentation of its role in the electoral process,” the Commission said.
The Commission stressed that it is constitutionally mandated to manage elections and ensure they are free and fair, and does not endorse, support, or campaign for any political party, independent candidate, or political interest.
According to the Commission, the use of its name, logo, or branding in campaign material may create the false impression that a particular party or candidate has its endorsement or approval.
“The use of the Commission’s name, logo, or branding in campaign material may create the false impression that a particular party or candidate enjoys the endorsement, support, or approval of the Electoral Commission,” it said.
The Commission warned that such conduct could mislead voters and undermine confidence in one of its core values.
“Such conduct has the potential to mislead voters and to undermine public confidence in one of the Commission’s core values: impartiality,” it said.
It called on political parties, independent candidates, campaign managers and supporters to immediately stop the unauthorised use of the Commission’s intellectual property and ensure that all campaign material complies with the Electoral Act.
As the country prepares for the November 4, 2026, Local Government Elections, the Commission urged all electoral stakeholders to conduct their campaigns in a manner that upholds the law, strengthens public trust in democratic institutions, and contributes to an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
The Commission said it would continue monitoring compliance and reserved the right to take legal or regulatory action where violations are identified.
“The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and reserves the right to take any appropriate legal or regulatory steps available to it in cases where violations are identified,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Commission encouraged eligible South Africans to register to vote or update their registration details during the voter registration weekend on 20 and 21 June 2026.
It said registration can also be completed through its online voter registration portal, and urged voters to verify their details by sending their identity number to the SMS line 32810.
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