Elections 2024: Zuma can't stand as a candidate, rules Constitutional Court
The Independent Electoral Commission of South African (IEC) disqualified Zuma's candidature because of his 15-month prison sentence for contempt in 2021.
FILE: Former President Jacob Zuma. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Constitutional Court has on Monday ruled that former president Jacob Zuma cannot stand as a candidate in next week's elections.
“This court concludes that Mr Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment for the purposes of Section 47(1e) of the Constitution and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to the National Assembly until five years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence,” ruled Justice Leona Theron when she handed the judgement.
The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) disqualified Zuma's candidature because of his 15-month prison sentence for contempt in 2021.
He was included on the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's candidate list.
The Electoral Court overturned the IEC's decision and the commission then turned to the Constitutional Court with an urgent appeal bid.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the apex court’s decision and called for all parties to respect the ruling.
The president was speaking during a wide-ranging interview on 702’s The Clement Manyathela Show and Eyewitness News’ Tshidi Madia.
“I’m not concerned about this instigating violence. President Jacob Zuma should be the one person who should respect the rule of law. We have rule of law in South Africa that governs us, once a Constitutional Court has decided, that is it,” said Ramaphosa.
More details to follow.