South Africa’s Electoral Court on Tuesday reversed its decision, allowing former President Jacob Zuma to run for office in the upcoming election.
This ruling overturns an earlier decision barring him from contesting due to his criminal record.
Zuma plans to represent the uMkhonto weSizwe Party after leaving the ruling African National Congress which he formerly headed.
The Independent Electoral Commission initially rejected his candidacy due to his conviction in 2021 for defying a court order.
Under South Africa’s constitution, individuals convicted of a crime and receiving a prison sentence exceeding 12 months without the possibility of a fine are ineligible to run for legislative positions.
Zuma, sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2021 for disobeying a court directive to testify before a corruption investigation panel probing allegations within government and state-owned companies during his tenure as president from 2009 to 2018, falls under this category.
However, the court’s latest decision dismisses objections against his candidacy, permitting him to stand for election.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
Former US President Donald Trump on Saturday declined a second debate with Vice President Kamala…
Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter has officially opened Oktoberfest at noon Saturday by tapping the first…
Daniel Dubois scored an upset victory and ruined Anthony Joshua's return to London's Wembley Stadium…
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has named Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its legal…
In a surprising turn during the Edo state governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party…
The Governor of Ondo state, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to transform the state into…