In what is being described as the most challenging political environment in South Africa's democratic history, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya declared on Wednesday that the signing of the electoral code of conduct is a "sacrosanct ingredient" to ensuring the integrity of the upcoming 2026 local government elections.

Speaking at the official Code of Conduct signing ceremony and ballot draw in Midrand, Moepya framed the signing as a “solemn, binding contract” signed directly with South Africans at a critical historical crossroads.

Moepya said recent findings from a voter participation survey conducted with the Human Sciences Research Council painted a stark picture of the national mood, revealing a significant decline in democratic trust, widespread institutional disillusionment, and growing public scepticisms.

"We stand at a profound historical crossroads, navigating what researchers describe as the most challenging pre-electoral climate ever observed in South Africa over the last 30 years," Moepya stated.

Rather than viewing this as casual disengagement, Moepya described it as structural disillusionment.

"Our citizens are saying democracy must work, and work for them," he noted, calling on political parties to use the elections scheduled for November to restore institutional integrity and prove that the democratic process can be responsive, clean, and accountable.

The Code of Conduct substantively protects all 136 790 candidates contesting the municipal elections, ensuring equal opportunities to campaign without fear of violence, intimidation, or unfair distortion.

By stepping forward to publicly pledge their allegiance to the code, political party leaders and candidates commit to condemning political violence, maintaining clean, fair campaigns and elevating the standard of political discourse.

Moepya issued a warning against digital harassment, stating that political parties must also actively protect journalists. He noted that no personal details or private information of media workers—including home addresses, personal contacts, or details regarding their loved ones—may be posted online.

As the country heads toward the November polls, the IEC views compliance with this code as the primary mechanism to safeguard constitutional equality and address the potentially distorted playing field.