South Africa’s political parties, including the ANC, EFF, DA, ActionSA, and MK, have signed an electoral code ahead of the November 4 local government elections, pledging peaceful campaigning. Yet the ceremony also highlighted declining public confidence in democratic institutions. Electoral Commission chair Mosotho Moepya cited survey findings that showed only 17% of adults were satisfied with the country’s democratic trajectory, while 68% were dissatisfied. Youth skepticism is particularly striking: 69% said their vote would not make a tangible difference, and 78% believed political parties become indistinguishable after winning office. The electoral commission hopes the code will help restore voter trust. The parties agreed to counter misinformation, including from coordinated networks, fake accounts, and deceptive uses of AI. Candidates must correct false or misleading information within 36 hours, while AI-generated campaign material and paid advertisements must be labeled.