{
  "id": 9531009,
  "title": "IEC warns of declining trust as parties sign local election conduct code",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/iec-warns-of-declining-trust-as-parties-sign-local-election-conduct",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T09:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-09-24-iec-warns-of-declining-trust-as-parties-sign-local-election-conduct-code/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The IEC has expressed concern over a decline in public trust in democracy as political parties contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections sign a conduct code. At a ceremony in Midrand, party leaders from the ANC, EFF, ActionSA, DA, and MK Party pledged to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct and campaign peacefully. However, the IEC chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, warned that only 17% of surveyed adults are satisfied with the country's democratic trajectory, while 68% are dissatisfied. This reflects a deep structural disillusionment, Moepya said, as public confidence in political parties, municipal councils, and the IEC has declined due to economic hardship and service delivery problems. The survey also revealed that 69% of youth respondents believed their vote would not make a difference, and 78% felt political parties became indistinguishable once elected. The IEC aims to ensure equal opportunities for all 136,790 candidates to campaign and communicate without fear or unfair distortion. Parties and candidates have committed to rejecting political violence, intimidation, sabotage, and threats against opponents, voters, the IEC, and the media. The code also addresses the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media, requiring parties and candidates to verify information and correct false or misleading content within 36 hours. The IEC has strengthened its systems and increased voter education ahead of the elections, with voter management devices upgraded and end-to-end functionality testing completed.",
  "summary": "Political parties have signed the Electoral Code of Conduct ahead of the November 4 local government elections, as the IEC warns that declining trust in democracy and voter disengagement pose a growing challenge.",
  "key_points": [
    "IEC warns declining trust in democracy ahead of Local Government Elections.",
    "Only 17% of adults satisfied with democratic trajectory, 68% dissatisfied."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}