‘Imitation Ballots’ on Social Media Risk Undermining Trust in the IEC Ahead of LGE 2026

As South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) inch closer, claims circulating online around ‘imitation ballots’ and the “stolen election” narrative are raising concerns about information integrity.

With many metros expected to be tightly contested, claims circulating across social media could have a significant impact on public trust in the electoral process.

Imitation Ballots

Imitation ballot papers for the LGE are circulating across platforms. In the latest Local Election Trends report, CINIA Researcher Yossabel Chetty highlights an example found in a response to an MK Party post announcing mayoral candidates.

The response included an image showing a ballot paper marked with a vote for the ANC. However, searches have also uncovered imitation ballots marked with a cross for the MK Party.

These unofficial ballots differ from sample ballots available on the IEC website. Legitimate IEC sample ballots feature prominent “Sample” watermarks and bold lettering stating “Sample Ballot Paper”.

The IEC also uses generic placeholder names, such as gems and precious stones, and omits election years and party names.

Article content — *An official IEC sample ballot (left) and a fake imitation ballot shared on social media (right).*

Imitation ballots are problematic as they risk confusing voters and undermining trust in the electoral system.

Changing the Electoral Act

Alongside the digital ballot discussions, the Truth and Solidarity Movement, via @AFRICANDEMOC, has issued demands for the IEC to enact amendments to the Electoral Act.

The account regularly posts unverified claims and conspiratorial content, and is linked to “Farouk Mowzer Head of Truth and Solidarity Movement”, who was included on the MK Party’s Western Cape list in 2024.

Chetty says: “The association with the MK Party is a red flag because the party alleged vote-rigging after the national elections, for which the court reserved judgment in June 2026 until all evidence is carefully examined.”

Together, these narratives can fuel fear and suspicion around the electoral process, weaken trust in institutions such as the IEC and create a foundation for challenging results if they are not favourable to voters.