MK calls for IEC's Love to step down after Zuma's poll candidacy validated
The Electoral Court gave an order that the IEC's decision to disqualify Jacob Zuma as the MK Party’s candidate should be set aside.
Former President Jacob Zuma addresses members of the media under the banner of the uMkhontho weSizwe (MK) party on 16 December 2023. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The MK Party is calling for IEC commissioner, Janet Love, to step down following an Electoral Court ruling in Jacob Zuma's favour.
The court gave an order that the IEC's decision to disqualify Zuma as the party’s candidate should be set aside.
The IEC had upheld an objection against the former president’s candidacy over Section 47 1E of the Constitution.
But the court said that the objection should have been dismissed.
Lawyers for Zuma had argued on bias, claiming that based on a view that was expressed by Love prior to the objection lodged against the former president’s candidacy, it was clear that the commission had prejudged his eligibility.
MK leader, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said that the order in Zuma’s favour was in agreement with their argument.
"The fact that she made pronouncements on January 24th and then only to come through and her having to preside over the commission was wrong because she ought to have recused herself, which she didn’t."
Ndhlela said that Love must step down to ensure the IEC was beyond reproach.
Meanwhile, this latest ruling could see Zuma back in the National Assembly.