Commending the IEC for Swift Action to Safeguard Electoral Integrity
- Bagaetsho
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Johannesburg, South Africa. Wednesday, 24 June 2026 - Public Interest SA welcomes the swift and decisive action taken by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) following allegations that an electoral official was involved in the unlawful registration of so-called "ghost voters" during a recent voter registration drive.
The Commission's immediate intervention and referral of the matter for criminal investigation demonstrate a commendable commitment to protecting the integrity, credibility and transparency of South Africa's electoral processes. Equally reassuring is the IEC's clear position that any conduct that undermines public confidence in elections will not be tolerated.
Through its Electoral Integrity Project and iObserv initiatives, Public Interest SA advocates for the strengthening of electoral integrity through citizen participation, election observation, accountability and public oversight. We believe that every credible allegation of electoral misconduct must be investigated thoroughly, independently and transparently.
While allegations of irregularities are always a cause for concern, the true measure of institutional integrity lies in how such incidents are detected, reported and addressed. In this regard, the IEC's response demonstrates that the safeguards necessary to protect the electoral process are functioning as intended.
The incident also highlights the important role played by election observers, political parties, civil society organisations and vigilant citizens in safeguarding the democratic process. Electoral integrity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond election day and requires constant vigilance throughout the electoral cycle.
Public Interest SA encourages the IEC to continue keeping the public informed as the investigation progresses and to take all appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures should wrongdoing be established.
Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA says: "As South Africa prepares for future elections, it is imperative that public confidence in electoral institutions is maintained and strengthened. Every action taken to uphold the integrity of the voters' roll and the electoral process contributes to the legitimacy of our democracy and the protection of our constitutional order."
Public Interest SA remains committed to supporting efforts that promote free, fair, credible and transparent elections through its Electoral Integrity Project and iObserv programmes.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About the Electoral Integrity Project and iObserv
The Electoral Integrity Project (EIP) is a civic democracy initiative of Public Interest SA aimed at strengthening public confidence in South Africa's electoral processes through citizen participation, independent observation, accountability and ethical citizenship.
The project was established in response to growing concerns about electoral trust, voter participation, disinformation, political intolerance and the need for greater civic oversight throughout the electoral cycle.
It seeks to promote free, fair, credible and transparent elections by empowering ordinary citizens to play an active role in safeguarding democratic processes.
A key component of the Electoral Integrity Project is iObserv, a citizen observer programme designed to recruit, train and deploy election observers across South Africa. Through a structured training and accreditation pathway, iObserv equips volunteers with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding required to observe elections professionally, impartially and in accordance with electoral laws and international best practice.
South Africa has more than 32,000 voting stations, yet the country faces a persistent shortage of trained election observers. Public participation in election observation is therefore essential to strengthening transparency, accountability and public trust in electoral outcomes.
Public Interest SA is calling on professionals, students, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society activists and concerned citizens to join the growing network of volunteer election observers committed to protecting the integrity of South Africa's democracy.
Individuals interested in becoming election observers can register online at:
For more information about the Electoral Integrity Project, iObserv, training opportunities and observer accreditation, members of the public are encouraged to visit Public Interest SA's digital platforms or contact the organisation directly.
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Issued by: Public Interest SA
Media Enquiries: Bagaetsho Oteng, Media Liaison, bagaetsho@publicinterest.org.za
