Facts are not propaganda: The danger of silencing verification

South Africa’s democratic processes are under scrutiny as concerns mount over election integrity and the impartiality of independent verification mechanisms, according to electoral monitoring experts.

In recent days, debate has intensified regarding the role of independent verification in the country’s electoral system, with some critics labeling verification efforts as unnecessary interference while supporters argue they are essential safeguards for democratic integrity.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has faced growing pressure as various political parties and civil society organizations call for enhanced transparency in the upcoming electoral cycle. These stakeholders maintain that independent verification serves as a crucial check on the official tallying process, particularly in contested districts where allegations of irregularities have emerged in past elections.

“Verification is not about undermining the electoral commission but strengthening public confidence in the results,” explained Dr. Nomsa Mbeki, political analyst at the University of Johannesburg’s Democracy Institute. “When we dismiss verification as propaganda, we risk undermining the very foundation of electoral legitimacy.”

This debate comes at a critical juncture for South Africa, with provincial and national elections on the horizon and political tensions already running high. The country’s multi-party democracy, established after the end of apartheid in 1994, has traditionally relied on robust electoral processes to maintain stability during political transitions.

Several international electoral observation organizations, including the African Union Election Observation Mission and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, have emphasized that verification processes align with global best practices for ensuring election integrity. These organizations point to examples across the continent where parallel vote tabulation and other verification mechanisms have helped build public confidence in electoral outcomes.

Opposition parties have been particularly vocal about the need for independent verification. The Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on electoral matters, Siviwe Gwarube, argued that “transparency is non-negotiable in a functioning democracy,” while smaller parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters have called for expanded observer access to all stages of the electoral process.

The ruling African National Congress has taken a more measured stance, acknowledging the importance of verification while emphasizing that the IEC remains the authoritative body for declaring results. Government spokesperson Phumla Williams stated that “while verification has its place, we must be careful not to create parallel structures that could undermine constitutionally mandated institutions.”

Electoral experts highlight that the distinction between verification and interference often depends on methodology and intent. “Verification conducted transparently, with clear methodology and without predetermined outcomes, strengthens rather than weakens democratic processes,” noted electoral systems expert Professor Thomas Mogale from the University of Cape Town.

South Africa’s business community has also weighed in, with the Business Leadership South Africa consortium emphasizing that electoral stability directly impacts economic confidence. “Foreign investors and local businesses alike require certainty that comes from well-managed, transparent electoral processes,” said Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of the organization.

The debate reflects broader regional and global trends where election integrity has become increasingly contentious. Across southern Africa, countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi have experienced contested elections in recent years, highlighting the importance of rigorous verification mechanisms.

Legal experts note that South Africa’s constitutional framework explicitly provides for electoral transparency. Constitutional law specialist Advocate Thandi Nkosi pointed out that “the constitution envisions an open democracy where processes are not just fair but seen to be fair. Verification is an extension of this principle.”

As South Africa prepares for its next electoral cycle, the resolution of this debate will likely shape public confidence in the results and potentially influence political stability in the coming years. With economic challenges and social inequalities already creating a volatile political environment, the stakes for maintaining a credible electoral system have never been higher.

The IEC has announced plans to review its verification protocols before the next election, indicating that this debate has already prompted institutional reflection. Whether this leads to meaningful reforms or merely rhetorical adjustments remains to be seen.