IEC unnecessarily giving Zuma free publicity with appeal, says EFF's Malema
Speaking during a media engagement in Johannesburg on Friday, EFF leader Julius Malema said he does not understand why the IEC is appealing the Zuma judgment, adding this allows Zuma to 'run rallies outside court'.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema during a media briefing in Johannesburg on 19 April 2024. Picture: X/@EFFSouthAfrica
JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema has criticised the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC)’s decision to fight an Electoral Court ruling which declared former president Jacob Zuma eligible to contest elections.
The IEC approached the court in a bid to declare Zuma ineligible to run for public office.
Last week, the court cleared the way for Zuma to run as Umkhonto weSizwe party’s presidential candidate.
The IEC argued that Zuma’s 2021 conviction, in which he was sentenced to 15 months for contempt of court prohibits him from running for the National Assembly.
Speaking during a media engagement in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon, Malema said the IEC was giving Zuma free publicity.
“We don’t see why the IEC is appealing Zuma’s judgment. It’s really very personal and by doing that they’re keeping president Zuma in the news. By doing that they’re allowing Zuma to run rallies outside courts.”
EFF leader, Julius Malema, criticised the IEC’s decision to appeal the Electoral court’s dismissal of its bid to declare Jacob Zuma ineligible to run for public office.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 19, 2024
“We have confidence in the IEC but they’re making so many stupid and silly mistakes,” he said. @Alpha_Mero25 pic.twitter.com/44yxoqpdnq