The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has faced a setback in its legal attempt to prevent a newly established party, endorsed by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the upcoming general election in May.
The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party derives its name from the former armed wing of the ANC, which is now defunct. There is speculation that Zuma’s support for the MK party could influence the ANC’s level of support.
The electoral court dismissed the ANC’s contention that the MK party had failed to meet the official registration criteria.
Outside the court, supporters of the MK party, clad in green attire, rejoiced and danced following the court’s decision.
The ANC has stated its acceptance of the court’s ruling and its intention to adhere to it. A spokesperson clarified that the ANC’s legal actions were not aimed at challenging the presence of the MK party on the ballot, provided that the registration process conducted by the electoral commission was lawful.
Additionally, the ANC has initiated separate legal proceedings against the MK party, alleging copyright infringement.
Recent opinion polls suggest that the ANC’s share of the vote may drop below 50% for the first time in thirty years in the May 29 election. Zuma seems to be garnering support away from the party, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Although Zuma did not found the MK party, he endorsed it in December and has since been suspended from the ANC. Zuma, a former member of the ANC’s MK, served as South Africa’s president for nine years until 2009. He was ousted from power and succeeded by current President Cyril Ramaphosa, partly due to corruption allegations, which Zuma denies.
Following Zuma’s support for the MK party, the ANC accused him of tarnishing the “proud history of armed struggle against the apartheid regime” by exploiting military symbolism opportunistically. The ANC further asserted that the MK party’s existence aims to weaken the ANC’s support base.
