Former South African President Jacob Zuma Barred from May Election
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been prohibited from participating in the upcoming general election in May. The country’s electoral commission, the IEC, has not disclosed the reason behind this decision. However, it’s widely speculated that his conviction and imprisonment in 2021 for contempt of court render him ineligible. Zuma’s support for the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party poses a potential challenge to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has suspended him.
Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018, resigned amidst corruption allegations. His allegiance to the MK party, named after the ANC’s former military wing, reflects his belief in upholding the revolutionary principles of the governing party. Despite the ANC’s attempt to deregister the MK party, the electoral commission rejected the request.
Zuma’s leadership of the MK party’s campaign and his placement as the top candidate on their list faced objections from the electoral commission, citing his potential candidacy for the National Assembly. In South Africa, voters elect members of the National Assembly, and the leader of the party with the majority becomes the country’s president.
The electoral commission’s head, Mosotho Moepya, confirmed the decision to uphold objections against Zuma’s candidacy, giving him until April 2nd to appeal. The MK party plans to challenge this decision.
Zuma’s legal troubles, including his 2021 prison sentence for contempt of court, and corruption charges stemming from a 1990s arms deal, further complicate his political future. The constitution bars individuals with prison sentences exceeding 12 months from contesting elections.
Despite Zuma’s exclusion, the MK party remains eligible to participate in the May 29th election, according to the IEC. The rise of the MK party, particularly in Zuma’s home region of KwaZulu-Natal, signifies a potential shift in South African politics, with the ANC facing the possibility of losing its majority for the first time since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994.