Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has hit back at claims of bias and election rigging, pointing to five consecutive clean audits as proof of its integrity and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Speaking to IOL on the sidelines of a media briefing on Tuesday, IEC Chief Executive Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the commission will not be shaken by political mudslinging or attempts to undermine its credibility.

“We have just received five consecutive clean audits, which means we are adhering to the legislation of the country insofar as it relates to financial management and related matters,” Mamabolo said.

This is as the IEC is preparing to conduct the 2026 local government elections. The date is still unclear but they are likely to take place between November 2, 2026 and January 31, 2027.

This strong statement comes after the MK Party (MKP) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) accused the IEC of rigging the hotly contested 2024 national and provincial elections.

Both parties took the matter to court – and lost.

The courts dismissed the allegations due to lack of evidence, effectively reaffirming the IEC’s conduct during the electoral process.

“Out of the many cases that were registered last year, the IEC won all of them except one,” Mamabolo said.

“We can’t be placed in a situation where we have to make arbitrary calls. We have to ground our decisions in the electoral law and do so without favour or prejudice.”

He made it clear that the commission does not operate based on political pressure or public noise.

“We understand that the environment is going to be competitive, and we are preparing ourselves for that competition. But what we will not compromise on is implementing the law as it is.”

Mamabolo further emphasised that the commission’s strength lies in its legal grounding.

“If we do anything to the contrary, we will start making arbitrary decisions—and those decisions will be challengeable in court. It’s important that we remain within the four corners of the law.

“That’s the only thing that ensures we are not set aside upon judicial review,” he said.

His remarks were a clear message to political parties casting doubt on the IEC’s neutrality.

With 2026 municipal elections already on the horizon, the IEC appears determined to defend its reputation and stick to the law—regardless of political noise.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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