The article discusses the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) initiative to strengthen regulations governing digital election campaigns to counter the threat of disinformation, particularly from artificial intelligence.

It highlights how the rapid spread of fake images, manipulated videos, and fabricated statements can undermine democratic processes by influencing public opinion and eroding trust in institutions.

The IEC's proposed draft regulations aim to ensure political parties cannot gain an unfair advantage by spreading unverified information, emphasizing that elections should be about ideas and leadership, not deception.The piece also criticizes political parties for often blaming cyberattacks for offensive content, urging them to secure their communication channels.

While acknowledging concerns about freedom of expression, the article argues that protecting electoral integrity and free speech are complementary goals.It concludes that the IEC's measures are essential to preserve public trust in democracy amid the challenges of the digital age.