Tshwane:The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has issued a firm warning that campaigning will not be allowed on Voting Day. Any infringement of this rule will be considered a crime, prompting a response from law enforcement.
According to South African Government News Agency, the announcement comes amid preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections in South Africa. The Security Cluster has urged political parties, community organizations, and the public to respect the electoral process and ensure that voting proceeds smoothly without disruptions.
NATJOINTS Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, speaking at the NATJOINTS Coordinating Centre, emphasized that all protests and marches must end before Tuesday concludes, with no activities allowed on Wednesday, the designated Voting Day. She clarified that any form of campaigning or attempts to influence voters on Voting Day will be treated as offenses under the Electoral Act.
Mosikili further discouraged any protest actions, warning that law enforcement would respond to such activities. The security measures are designed to protect voters, electoral officials, and voting stations from intimidation and unlawful interference.
NATJOINTS assured that sufficient law enforcement personnel are deployed nationwide, informed by intelligence assessments to address potential threats. The Security Cluster also advised the public to avoid gatherings near voting stations and reiterated that no entity has the right to disrupt the voting process.
The briefing also touched on protest-related issues in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the Durban High Court's interim order which permits peaceful protests but restricts actions that compromise public safety. The order mandates designated routes and prohibits demonstrations near voting stations during critical times.
NATJOINTS emphasized that police will maintain operations throughout the election period to ensure safety and uphold law and order. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) also confirmed its readiness for special voting ahead of the main elections and called for all stakeholders to respect the election process.