Jacob Zuma, the former President of South Africa, has lodged an appeal against the country’s electoral commission, which disqualified him from participating in the upcoming elections.
Zuma, who resigned amid corruption accusations and served a 15-month prison term in 2021 for contempt of court, faces a constitutional hurdle as South Africa’s law bars individuals with prison sentences exceeding 12 months from contesting elections.
Having departed from the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Zuma aligned himself with the newly established uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party ahead of the forthcoming general election.
His legal representatives argue that the electoral commission’s decision unjustly impinges on Zuma’s political rights.
The Electoral Court is set to review challenges to the Electoral Commission’s ruling by April 9, just before the commission finalizes its candidate lists on April 10.
Zuma, representing the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, aims to challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa’s dominance, particularly amidst concerns over the ANC’s declining popularity amidst economic woes and allegations of corruption.
Zuma, who served as South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018, exited office amid swirling corruption allegations.
