IEC approaches ConCourt to appeal ruling on Zuma's public office candidacy, 'clarity' on the law

JOHANNESBURG - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it wants to ensure that it fully understands the application of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution.

It said it approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the recent Electoral Court ruling that allows former president Jacob Zuma to run for public office. 

Zuma was initially disqualified by the IEC in this regard due to his prison sentence after he was found guilty of contempt in 2021.

ALSO READ: Electoral Court validates Zuma's MK Party candidacy

This week, however, the Electoral Court upheld a challenge from Zuma and his newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The IEC says it is not playing politics with this matter but seeks the necessary clarity.

“Such clarity is important in the present matter because of a live issue but also for future elections. It is furthermore important that such legal clarification is obtained from the highest court in the land, which has Constitutional matter jurisdiction,” said chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo.