IEC warns false election results could fuel tensions as counting continues - IOL
IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo speaks to the media at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Johannesburg. The counting and result verification processes are under way for the 2026 local government elections.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has warned political parties and their supporters against spreading unverified election results, saying false claims could fuel tensions, incite violence and undermine confidence in the 2026 local government elections.
With counting and verification still under way, the commission has urged political role-players to remain patient and wait for official results, which will be announced once outstanding objections have been addressed.
The IEC issued the warning during a media briefing at its Results Operations Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Thursday, following the close of voting stations at 9pm on Wednesday.
The commission said it was satisfied that voters who were still in queues at closing time had been given the opportunity to cast their ballots.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo called on political parties, independent candidates and their supporters to allow the counting and results-capturing processes to proceed without interference.
He warned that circulating unverified information or disinformation about the outcome could create unnecessary tensions, incite violence and potentially lead to property damage and injuries.
According to the commission, approximately 15.9 million citizens participated in the local government elections.
The IEC had received more than 800 complaints by Wednesday, most relating to the conduct of voting station staff and political party agents.
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shiburi said most complaints had been resolved, with 106 still outstanding.
“The majority of those complaints have been closed and determined. About 106 complaints remain open,” Shiburi said.
Candidates have until Thursday afternoon to lodge complaints. The IEC has provided an opportunity for contestants to raise objections that could have a material impact on the declared results.
“There is an opportunity for contestants to raise objections that are material to the outcome of the declared results,” Shiburi added.
The commission said final results would be released once all objections had been dealt with.
The IEC has urged the public, media and political contestants to rely on its official communication channels for updates rather than sharing unverified results.
The warning comes amid wider concerns about election-related misinformation, including claims about vote rigging and other unverified allegations circulating online during the election period.
