Election poster row erupts in Cape Town as ActionSA takes complaint to IEC - IOL
Images show ActionSA poster being removed and replaced by DA poster.
A fight over election posters has landed at the door of the IEC after ActionSA asked the commission to investigate footage showing two people handling its campaign material while putting up Democratic Alliance (DA) posters in Cape Town.
The complaint comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the November 4, 2026 local government elections and just days after political parties committed themselves to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The video posted on X on September 23, 2026, shows two people handling ActionSA posters while putting up DA posters. An ActionSA poster can been seen lying on the pavement.
ActionSA mayoral candidate Dereleen James said the party had received reports and footage from members of the public alleging its posters were being removed by postering DA teams.
"We are documenting these reports and call on anyone with more photographs, video footage, or first-hand information to share it with us," James wrote on Facebook.
"We will take the matter through the appropriate channels."
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont confirmed that the IEC had been asked to investigate what happened and to seek an explanation from the DA.
"We have asked the IEC to investigate the incident, as well as to ask the DA to explain what occurred," Beaumont said.
In its complaint, ActionSA described the people in the footage as "individuals with contracted by the DA or operating to their benefit."Β
The complaint comes days after political parties contesting the Western Cape elections signed the IEC's Electoral Code of Conduct.
The code prohibits the defacing or unlawful removal of election posters belonging to another party or candidate.
ActionSA said any posters removed would be replaced.
