Cape Town – The Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially said that former president Jacob Zuma does not meet the eligibility criteria to register as a candidate in the upcoming elections.
IEC confirmed this during a press briefing on Thursday and said that is ineligible to be included on a party list for parliamentary elections.
Zuma, who has been actively campaigning for his new political party, uMkhonto weSizwe, faced disqualification due to his legal issues, particularly his 2021 conviction for contempt of court.
According to EWN, the IEC said that it is bound by the country’s laws and constitution, which prohibit individuals with undeferred sentences from running for political office.
“That excludes anybody who has been given a sentence that was not the subject of any deferral, and in that sense, it is not ourselves, but the laws of the country that would stand as an impediment for that candidacy,” the report quoted Commissioner Janet Love as saying.
Despite being released on medical parole and receiving a sentence remission last year, Zuma remains ineligible to stand as a candidate.
🔴WATCH🔴 **IEC CEO Spells Out Constitutional Boundaries for Zuma’s Potential Presidential Run**
In an exclusive interview with Central News, IEC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sy Mamabolo clarified the constitutional provisions that could affect former President Jacob Zuma’s… pic.twitter.com/cpiwp85nlR
— Central News (@centralnewsza) January 25, 2024
Meanwhile, according to Daily Maverick, the uMkhonto Wesizwe party appears unfazed by a constitutional clause preventing Zuma from seeking public office after the upcoming general elections.
The party, launched about a month ago and linked to Zuma, remains tight-lipped about its presidential candidate but asserts that the people’s will shall determine Zuma’s candidacy.
“If the people want Jacob Zuma on the ballot, that’s exactly what will happen. President Zuma will be on the ballot and will lead the country,” the report quoted MK interim spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela as saying.
There is speculation that the party may be a platform for Zuma’s son, Duduzane, and a means for the former president to retaliate against those in the ANC who he perceives as having betrayed him, the report said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@Am_Blujay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
