Voters risk losing the opportunity to fairly assess political parties at the polls after multiple radio stations allegedly ignored legal obligations to broadcast election advertisements, according to the Democratic Alliance. With just days remaining before municipal elections, the party secured a Gauteng High Court order in Pretoria requiring offending broadcasters to air corrective party election broadcasts, ewn.co.za reported.
High Court Order Compels Broadcasters to Air Missed Ads
The Democratic Alliance turned to the High Court after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa failed to intervene when multiple radio stations refused to play a 40-second public election broadcast. Federal Council chairperson Ashor Sarupen stated that the party had to approach the court to ensure fairness for their election broadcasts. The court order compels offending broadcasters to air the missed advertisements in remaining unallocated time slots.
Strict Proof of Compliance Required Within 24 Hours
Offending broadcasters must provide written confirmation of broadcast along with transmission logs and recordings within 24 hours of airing the advertisements. The Gauteng High Court mandates these measures to verify compliance with the legal order. Stations that ignored the law also face regulatory action from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, which serves as the authority responsible for ensuring fair coverage rules apply, according to polity.org.za.
Legal Battles Undermine Electoral Fairness
Ashor Sarupen criticized the recurring necessity of litigation, stating that electoral fairness should not depend on whether broadcasters choose to comply with the law. The Democratic Alliance argued that missed broadcasts deprive South African voters of the opportunity to fairly assess parties and their closing messages. The party intends to monitor compliance closely and pursue further legal remedies if broadcasters fail to honour their obligations ahead of the elections on November 4, 2026.
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