South Africa’s Electoral Body Bars Ex-President Zuma From Contesting Election

South Africa’s Electoral Body Bars Ex-President Zuma From Contesting Election

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced on Thursday that former President Jacob Zuma has been barred from standing in the upcoming general election scheduled for May 29……READ ALSO Concerns As Nigeria’s Unemployment Rate Is Now Second On Global List

IEC president Mosotho Moepya confirmed that an objection against Zuma’s candidacy had been upheld, although specific details were not provided. The decision was communicated to the party that nominated Zuma as well as to those who objected to his candidacy.

The ruling can be appealed if filed before April 2.

Zuma, aged 81, was compelled to resign from office in 2018 amidst numerous corruption allegations. He is currently campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, aiming to revive his political career and weaken his former party, the African National Congress (ANC).

The upcoming general election is anticipated to be tense, with the ANC facing the possibility of falling below the 50 percent mark for the first time since the end of apartheid. This would necessitate forming a coalition to retain power.

The ANC’s support has waned due to economic challenges and accusations of corruption and mismanagement.

According to the electoral commission, individuals convicted of offenses and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine are ineligible to stand in elections under the constitution.

Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 for contempt of court after he refused to testify before a panel investigating financial corruption during his presidency. Additionally, he faces separate corruption charges related to an arms procurement scandal in the 1990s when he served as vice president.