A South African court has granted former president Jacob Zuma permission to participate in the upcoming general elections in May, overturning a previous decision by electoral authorities to bar him due to a prior conviction.
The electoral court ruled in favor of Zuma, 81, who is leading uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a newly formed opposition party that has emerged as a surprising contender in the election race.
In its ruling, the electoral court stated, “The decision of the Electoral Commission… is set aside,” without providing further explanation on the reasoning behind the verdict.
South Africa is set to hold general elections on May 29, marking what is anticipated to be the most competitive vote since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994.
Zuma’s eligibility to run in the elections could potentially have a significant impact on the outcome.
With MK banking on Zuma’s popularity, the party is expected to make significant inroads into the vote share of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Zuma’s former political home.
This development raises the possibility of the ANC experiencing its worst electoral performance in three decades, potentially falling short of a parliamentary majority by dropping below 50 percent of the vote.
The electoral commission had initially disqualified Zuma from participating in the elections, citing the constitutional provision that prohibits individuals convicted of an offense and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment from seeking office.
Zuma had been sentenced to 15 months in jail in June 2021 after he refused to testify before a panel investigating financial corruption and cronyism during his presidency.
However, the recent ruling by the South African court has now cleared the path for Zuma to contest in the upcoming elections, adding a new dimension to the already fiercely contested political landscape in the country.
Zuma’s resurgence in the political arena comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and legal battles surrounding his tenure as president, including allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
His participation in the election campaign is expected to reignite debates about accountability and governance in South Africa, further intensifying the competition among political parties vying for power.
As the election date draws closer, the inclusion of Zuma as a candidate is poised to shape the dynamics of the electoral process and potentially reshape the future trajectory of South African politics.
