The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a direct mandate to all its members, leaders, and supporters, calling for strict compliance with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Electoral Code of Conduct ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.
In an official memorandum dated 17 August 2026, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stressed that the party’s commitment to a peaceful, free, and fair election process is rooted in both constitutional obligation and core democratic values.
Zero Tolerance for Violations and Direct Disciplinary Action
The Secretary General warned that non-compliance with the Electoral Code carries grave consequences for the party, including the potential disqualification of ANC candidates from contesting the election.
Mbalula affirmed that the ANC will take internal disciplinary action against any member who violates the Code.
“We call on all ANC members, leaders and supporters to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct, and to demonstrate maximum tolerance and respect for all parties and candidates contesting the election,” Mbalula stated in the official memorandum.
He emphasized that the directive applies across all structures of the organization from the date the election was proclaimed.
Grounded in the Constitution and Freedom Charter
The memorandum highlights that adherence to election rules is a matter of principle rather than mere legal obligation. Referring directly to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the document notes that every citizen holds the fundamental right to free, fair, and regular democratic elections.
Furthermore, the message draws inspiration from the Freedom Charter, reiterating the classic democratic pledge that “no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.”
The ANC leadership expressed its commitment to collaborating with all political parties and South African citizens to build a strong, dynamic, and participative multi-party democracy.
Core Principles: Do’s and Don’ts for Campaigning
To ensure clarity on the ground during active campaigning, the memo outlines explicit rules and expectations for party workers and supporters:
What Members Must Do:
- Promote Tolerance: Actively practice and encourage political tolerance toward rival political organizations.
- Condemn Violence: Openly denounce political violence and intimidation in all forms.
- Respect Free Campaigning: Support the constitutional right of all political parties to campaign freely.
- Coordinate Events: Notify relevant authorities about planned marches, rallies, and public meetings to avoid scheduling conflicts with other parties.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Work closely with IEC structures and assist law enforcement agencies in investigating election-related crimes.
What Members Must NOT Do:
- No Threats or Violence: Refrain from using violence, physical force, or threats against supporters of rival parties.
- No Defacement: Do not remove, deface, or destroy posters, banners, pamphlets, or property belonging to other parties.
- No Disruption: Do not disrupt public meetings, marches, or rallies organized by opponents.
- No Blockades: Avoid preventing rival parties from canvassing or campaigning in any neighbourhood or community.
- No Coercion: Never force individuals to join the party, attend political gatherings, or make financial donations.
- No Misinformation: Refrain from spreading false rumors, defamatory claims, or hate speech against other candidates or parties.
Safeguarding Women, Media, and Electoral Officials
The official Electoral Code of Conduct annexed to the Secretary General’s directive outlines strict provisions protecting key stakeholders in the electoral process:
- Participation of Women: Parties and candidates are required to respect the rights of women to communicate freely, facilitate their full and equal participation in political activities, and guarantee unhindered access to political events.
- Media Freedom: Campaign workers must respect the essential role of journalists and media workers before, during, and after the elections. Members are strictly forbidden from denying journalists access to public events or subjecting them to harassment, threats, or assault.
- Protection of Electoral Staff: Full cooperation with IEC officials and strict protection of their safety are mandatory. Threatening, insulting, or obstructing election staff in the performance of their duties is prohibited under the law.
As campaigning intensifies across the country, the ANC’s directive serves as a reminder to political activists that political rivalry must remain peaceful, lawful, and respectful of every voter’s democratic rights.