IEC disqualifies Zuma from standing as a candidate in upcoming elections
In a media briefing on Thursday afternoon, the IEC said it received an objection against Jacob Zuma and upheld it.
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 Commission (IEC) has disqualified former president, Jacob Zuma, from standing as a candidate in the upcoming general elections.
In a media briefing on Thursday afternoon, the IEC said it received an objection against Zuma and upheld it.
The objection related to Zuma’s criminal record, which made him ineligible from being elected to the National Assembly.
[JUST IN] Jacob Zuma has been disqualified from standing as a candidate in the upcoming general elections.
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 28, 2024
The IEC said it received an objection against Zuma’s nomination and it was upheld.
The former state president appears first on the uMkhonto WeSizwe party list. TCG pic.twitter.com/i16S8Fi3L6
Zuma appears on the number one spot of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) political party's list.
However, as things stand, the 81-year-old will not be going to Parliament as the Electoral Commission has upheld the objection against his nomination.
The IEC said a candidate could be disqualified if he or she had been sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine.
In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to a 15-month prison term after being found guilty of contempt of court.
IEC chairperson, Mosotho Moepya: "In the case of former President Zuma, yes we did receive an objection, the party that nominated him has been informed as well as the objectors."
Moepya said Zuma had until 2 April to appeal his disqualification at the Electoral Court.