Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s hopes of running for a parliamentary seat in the upcoming election were dashed when the country’s apex court ruled against his eligibility. The Constitutional Court made the decision, citing Zuma’s 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 as disqualifying him from participating in the May 29 election.
The ruling stated that Zuma’s conviction and sentence exceeded 12 months, rendering him ineligible to stand for election to the National Assembly. This decision came after the South African Electoral Commission initially disqualified Zuma from running, a decision that was later overturned by a lower court. However, the electoral body appealed to the Constitutional Court to settle the matter definitively.
Jacob Zuma’s political journey has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding allegations of corruption during his presidency. Pressure from within his party, the African National Congress (ANC), led to his resignation in 2018. Subsequently, Zuma established a new political party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), named after the ANC’s former armed wing.
The court’s decision drew disappointment from Zuma’s supporters, including members of the MK Party, who had rallied behind him outside the courtroom. Despite his disqualification, Zuma’s party vowed to press on with their campaign, indicating that Zuma’s influence would continue to shape their political activities.
Zuma’s imprisonment in 2021 sparked widespread unrest, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, where violent protests resulted in numerous deaths and significant damage to property. Concerns about potential violence following his disqualification have been raised, but President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the rule of law and the readiness of security forces to maintain peace and order.
Overall, the court’s decision represents a significant development in South Africa’s political landscape, impacting not only Zuma’s personal ambitions but also the dynamics of the upcoming election.