Former President Jacob Zuma Barred from South Africa’s General Elections
Former President Jacob Zuma of South Africa has been barred from running in the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for May, according to the country’s electoral officials. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) upheld an objection filed against the former president without providing specific details.
Election Commission Decision
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed that the objection against Zuma was upheld, stating that the party that nominated him has been informed of the decision. Zuma, 81, has been campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party in an effort to revive his political career ahead of the general election. He has until April 2 to appeal against the ruling.
Reasons for Barred Candidacy
Zuma’s candidacy was rejected due to his resignation in 2018 following corruption allegations during his nearly decade-long tenure. In 2021, he received a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, which disqualifies him from holding public office under South Africa’s constitution. Additionally, Zuma faces corruption charges related to a multi-billion dollar arms deal from the 1990s when he was the vice president.
Political Implications
The rejection of Zuma’s candidacy has significant political implications, as his support for the opposition party was seen as a challenge to the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The ANC, which suspended Zuma in January, is facing a decline in popularity ahead of the elections and is at risk of losing its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid.
Meanwhile, the request to deregister the MK party, named after the ANC’s former military wing, was denied by South Africa’s electoral body. MK had previously threatened violence if Zuma was prevented from participating in the elections. Zuma’s brief imprisonment in the past led to widespread riots and violence in the country.
South Africans are set to vote on May 29 in what is anticipated to be a closely contested election since 1994.
