South Africa’s ex-president Jacob Zuma is ineligible for parliamentary candidacy in this month’s election, as decreed by the nation’s highest court on Monday. This ruling, which stems from Zuma’s 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021, could impact the election’s outcome and potentially incite unrest among his supporters.
The constitutional court found that Zuma’s conviction and sentence exceeded 12 months, disqualifying him from running in the May 29 election under the constitution’s stipulation that individuals with prison terms of a year or more cannot hold parliamentary office.
“It is declared that Mr. Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment, … and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to, the National Assembly,” stated the ruling.
Zuma, who resigned as president in 2018, has clashed with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and is now advocating for a new party named uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), after the ANC’s former armed wing.
Recent opinion polls indicate that the ANC’s long-standing majority is under threat, particularly in Zuma’s stronghold of KwaZulu-Natal, where the MK party holds sway.
Zuma’s imprisonment last year sparked riots in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in over 300 deaths and widespread looting.
President Cyril Ramaphosa downplayed concerns about potential violence following the court’s decision, emphasizing the country’s adherence to the rule of law and the readiness of security forces to address any threats.
The South African electoral commission initially disqualified Zuma in March, but this decision was overturned in April by a court that argued the relevant constitutional clause applied only to individuals with the opportunity to appeal their sentences, which was not the case for Zuma.
The electoral commission subsequently brought the matter to the constitutional court. Despite his disqualification from parliamentary candidacy, Zuma’s name will still appear on the ballot as he is the registered leader of the MK party.
An Ipsos poll released in April indicated approximately 8% support for MK, compared to just over 40% for the ANC.
While the ANC remains poised to secure the most votes, falling below the 50% threshold would necessitate seeking coalition partners to govern, marking the first such arrangement since the party’s ascent to power under Nelson Mandela following apartheid.
During a campaign rally for his MK party in Soweto on Saturday, Zuma pledged free education for underprivileged children and job creation to thousands of supporters.
