Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been disqualified from running in the upcoming elections, as confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission.
The decision, announced during a media briefing on Thursday (Mar. 28), follows an objection against Zuma’s candidacy. This objection stems from Zuma’s previous conviction in July 2021, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order related to a corruption investigation during his presidency from 2009 to 2018.
Despite being granted medical parole after two months, the commission’s ruling upholds the disqualification, citing South Africa’s constitutional provision barring individuals convicted and sentenced to over 12 months’ imprisonment from holding public office. Zuma, aged 81, has until April 2 to appeal this decision.
Following his disqualification, Zuma has become the prominent figurehead of a newly formed political party, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), named after the former military wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
Zuma’s departure from the ANC and his alignment with the MK Party have stirred significant attention ahead of the elections. Despite legal battles with the ANC, including an unsuccessful attempt to deregister the MK Party, Zuma remains a key figure in the party’s campaign, featured prominently in election materials and serving as the main speaker at rallies.
Additionally, the ANC is contesting the use of its name and logo by the MK Party, raising further legal complexities in the electoral landscape.
