Jacob Zuma Ruled Barred from South Africa’s Election Race

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been deemed ineligible to contest in the country’s upcoming general election scheduled for May 2024.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has not provided specific reasons for this decision. However, Zuma’s conviction and imprisonment for contempt of court in 2021 likely disqualify him from running.

Zuma’s involvement with the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, viewed as a potential threat to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), also played a role in his disqualification.

The ANC had suspended Zuma, and his backing of the MK party suggests a split within the party’s ranks.

Having served as president from 2009 until 2018, Zuma resigned amid corruption allegations. He has since positioned himself as the rightful inheritor of the ANC’s revolutionary legacy, aligning himself with the MK party.

Despite the ANC’s attempts to have the MK party deregistered, the electoral commission rejected the request on March 26, 2024.

Zuma’s name appeared at the top of the MK’s candidate list, prompting objections from voters concerned about his potential role in the National Assembly.

Confirming the decision, electoral commission head Mosotho Moepya stated, “In the case of former President Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld.” Zuma has until April 2 to appeal this ruling.

Zuma’s disqualification stems from a legal provision stating that individuals who have served prison sentences exceeding 12 months are ineligible to run for office. Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court falls under this criterion.

Despite Zuma’s exclusion, the MK party remains eligible to participate in the May 29 election. Some opinion polls suggest that the ANC’s vote share may dip below 50% for the first time since South Africa’s democratic transition in 1994, with the MK party gaining traction, particularly in Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal.