Former South African President Jacob Zuma has filed an appeal against a decision by electoral officials to disqualify him from running in the upcoming general elections, amidst escalating political tensions ahead of the May polls.
The 81-year-old politician, who is campaigning for a new opposition party, was barred by the electoral commission last week due to a 2021 contempt of court conviction.
However, in court documents obtained by AFP, Zuma’s lawyers argued that the conviction should not disqualify him, stating that he was not formally charged or accused of a criminal offense in a court of law.
Zuma’s conviction stems from his refusal to testify before a panel investigating financial corruption during his presidency, resulting in a 15-month jail sentence imposed in June 2021.
The electoral commission cited the constitution, which prohibits individuals sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine from standing in elections.
South Africa is gearing up for general elections on May 29, expected to be the most competitive since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) faces challenges amid a weak economy and allegations of corruption and mismanagement, with Zuma campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party in an effort to revive his political career.
Despite being ousted from office in 2018 amidst corruption allegations, Zuma remains influential in South African politics.
