By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The South African Independent Electoral Commission has barred former President Jacob Zuma from participating in the upcoming elections. The ruling, announced during a media briefing on Thursday, March 28, said Jacob Zuma will not be able to take part in the ballot because of his criminal record.
As a prospective candidate in the legislative elections set for May 29, Jacob Zuma had faced objections from a rival party, leading to the rejection of his candidacy. While objections were raised against eight candidates vying for parliamentary seats, Zuma’s disqualification stands out as the sole instance of rejection.
The development surrounding Zuma’s candidacy has been a subject of scrutiny and speculation ever since his name surfaced on the list of parliamentary candidates for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.
Observers highlighted the constitutional provision that prohibits individuals sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment, without the option of a fine, from holding public office.
This clause directly impacts Zuma, who in July 2021 received a 15-month jail term for contempt of court related to his refusal to testify before a corruption investigation commission that spanned his nearly decade-long presidency.
Despite his brief release on medical parole after serving just two months in prison, Zuma’s political future remains uncertain. Having previously led the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the nation for almost a decade, Zuma announced in December that he would not be actively involved in campaigning or voting for the party in the May 2024 elections.
The Electoral Commission has granted Zuma until April 2 to challenge his disqualification, allowing for a potential legal recourse in the matter.
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