By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has warned that political campaigning will not be permitted on Voting Day, 04 November 2026.
Addressing the media at the NATJOINTS Coordinating Centre in Tshwane on Sunday, NATJOINTS Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said all protests and marches must conclude before the end of Tuesday, with no demonstrations allowed on Wednesday.
“Tuesday midnight marks the final day of campaigning in accordance with the electoral timetable, with all campaigns and rallies required to conclude by the end of the day. No campaigning or political persuasion is permitted on Voting Day.
“Intimidation, coercion or attempts to influence voters in favour of a particular political party constitute offences in terms of the Electoral Act. No marches or demonstrations are permitted on Voting Day, and any contravention thereof is a crime, “Mosikili explained.
Mosikili added that she would not encourage anyone to embark on protest action.
“You march, you commit a crime, and it will be responded to accordingly by the deployed law enforcement that is on the ground.”
The warning forms part of broader security measures to protect voters, electoral officials and voting stations against intimidation, obstruction and unlawful interference.
NATJOINTS said sufficient law enforcement personnel have been deployed across all provinces, with security arrangements informed by intelligence assessments and identified threats.
The Security Cluster also urged members of the public to avoid unnecessary gatherings around voting stations and warned that no individual or organisation has the right to obstruct voting stations, threaten electoral officials or intimidate voters.
While legitimate grievances relating to service delivery, employment and access to basic services must be addressed through appropriate processes, these should not be used to disrupt elections or undermine the democratic rights of others.
The briefing also addressed protest-related developments in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly compliance with the recent Durban High Court interim order in the matter involving the Minister of Police and March and March.
The order does not prohibit peaceful, unarmed protests but places 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, requires identifiable marshals and prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres of voting stations during voting, counting and the announcement of results.
Access to voting stations, electoral officials, voters and election materials must remain unobstructed.
NATJOINTS reiterated that election security deployments were intended to protect life, property and the constitutional rights of all South Africans, rather than intimidate communities or restrict democratic participation.
Police stations will also remain operational throughout the electoral period to attend to complaints, respond to emergencies, investigate crime and maintain law and order.