Electoral Court set to rule on Zuma's bid to be an MK election candidate
Jacob Zuma, who is the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s presidential candidate, approached the court challenging the IEC's decision that disqualified him from standing for legislative seats in the upcoming elections.
Former President Jacob Zuma addresses members of the media under the banner of new party uMkhontho We Sizwe on 16 December 2023. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Court will on Tuesday give an order on former President Jacob Zuma's bid to be allowed on his party’s candidate list.
Zuma, who is the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s presidential candidate, approached the court challenging the IEC's decision that disqualified him from standing for legislative seats in the upcoming elections.
The IEC upheld an objection to Zuma's candidacy based on Section 47 of the Constitution.
It's all come down to the interpretation of Section 47 1E of the Constitution.
The law is clear that anyone who is convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months without an option of a fine is disqualified for five years after the sentence is completed.
But Zuma’s lawyers have argued that he only served three months of his 15-month sentence for contempt of court, therefore Section 47 does not apply to him.
But the IEC's lawyers have argued that the presidential remission that was granted to Zuma, shortening the time he spent in prison does not cancel his sentence.
Zuma's lawyers have accused the IEC of wanting to disenfranchise millions of people who want to choose their leader via the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
The Electoral Court is expected to make an order on Tuesday afternoon.