Former president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma has been barred by the country’s electoral commission from contesting the upcoming May 29 general election.
The decision was made following an upheld objection, with commission president Mosotho Moepya confirming the exclusion without divulging specific details.
While Zuma’s party has been informed of the decision, the opportunity for appeal remains open until April 2.
“In the case of former president Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld,” commission president Mosotho Moepya said.
“The party that has nominated him has been informed” as have those objecting to the move, he added.
Zuma, who was compelled to step down from office in 2018 amidst corruption allegations, has been actively campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party in a bid to revive his political career and challenge his former party, the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
With the electoral landscape poised for tension, the ANC faces the possibility of falling below the crucial 50 per cent mark, necessitating coalition-building to retain power.
The ANC’s waning popularity stems from a combination of economic challenges and accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
Under constitutional provisions, individuals convicted of offences and sentenced to over 12 months in prison without the option of a fine are ineligible to contest elections.
Zuma’s recent 15-month jail sentence for contempt, coupled with pending corruption charges from his tenure, reflects the legal hurdles barring his electoral participation.
Comments