NATJOINTS: Election Day Campaigning Ban Declared Criminal Offense

• NATJOINTS has prohibited all campaigning and political persuasion on Voting Day for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
• Defying the election day campaigning ban or engaging in protests on Voting Day will be considered a criminal offense.
• The Electoral Act specifies offenses like voter intimidation or coercion, which are strictly forbidden.
• Security measures include extensive law enforcement deployment and a call for public cooperation to ensure disruption-free voting.
• A Durban High Court order restricts certain protest conduct near voting stations and regulates marches, even for peaceful demonstrations.

She unequivocally stated that engaging in protest action on voting day constitutes a crime and will be met with a direct response from law enforcement personnel on the ground.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has issued a definitive warning regarding a strict NATJOINTS election day campaigning ban for the upcoming South Africa 2026 Local Government Elections. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Chairperson of NATJOINTS, announced this directive from the Coordinating Centre in Tshwane on Sunday, emphasizing that any individual or group defying the prohibition on campaigning or political persuasion on Voting Day will be committing a criminal offense. Law enforcement officers, who are strategically deployed, will respond accordingly to such violations.

The Security Cluster, which includes NATJOINTS, has urged all political parties, community organizations, and the public to respect the electoral environment to ensure that the voting process unfolds without disruption. General Mosikili further clarified that all forms of protests and marches must conclude by Tuesday midnight, with absolutely no demonstrations permitted on Wednesday, which is designated as Voting Day. She unequivocally stated that engaging in protest action on voting day constitutes a crime and will be met with a direct response from law enforcement personnel on the ground.

Under the electoral timetable, Tuesday midnight marks the absolute final deadline for campaigning, meaning all rallies and political activities must cease by the end of that day. Beyond this point, any campaigning or political persuasion on Voting Day is strictly forbidden. NATJOINTS underscored that actions such as intimidation, coercion, or attempts to influence voters in favor of a specific political party are explicitly defined as Electoral Act offenses campaigning. Similarly, the prohibition on marches or demonstrations on Voting Day is absolute, with any contravention being a criminal act.

These stringent regulations are integral to broader NATJOINTS security measures elections, designed to protect voters, electoral officials, and voting stations from intimidation, obstruction, and any form of unlawful interference. The security arrangements are meticulously informed by intelligence assessments and identified threats, ensuring that sufficient law enforcement personnel are deployed across all provinces. The public has also been cautioned against unnecessary gatherings around voting stations, and it has been made clear that no individual or organization possesses the authority to obstruct polling stations, threaten electoral officials, or intimidate voters.

While acknowledging the validity of grievances related to service delivery, employment, and access to basic services, NATJOINTS firmly stated that these concerns must be addressed through appropriate channels and should not be used to disrupt elections or undermine the democratic rights of others. This stance was reinforced by referencing specific protest-related developments in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the compliance requirements stemming from an interim order issued by the Durban High Court protest order in the matter involving the Minister of Police and March and March.

This judicial order, while not prohibiting peaceful, unarmed protests, imposes clear restrictions on conduct that threatens public safety, including intimidation, violence, property damage, road obstruction, and incitement to violence. It also regulates designated march routes and times, mandates the presence of identifiable marshals, and prohibits demonstrations within a 100-meter radius of voting stations during voting, counting, and the announcement of results. The paramount importance of unobstructed access to voting stations, electoral officials, voters, and election materials was reiterated. NATJOINTS emphasized that these security deployments are intended to protect life, property, and the constitutional rights of all South Africans, rather than to intimidate communities or curtail democratic participation. Police stations will remain fully operational throughout the electoral period to handle complaints, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and maintain law and order.

Lawyers advising political parties, NGOs, or individuals involved in electoral activities must ensure strict compliance with NATJOINTS' directives and the Electoral Act regarding campaigning and protests on voting day, particularly in light of potential criminal charges and specific court orders like the Durban High Court's, to mitigate legal risks for their clients.

Source: Original reporting via news reports.