Jacob Zuma, the previous president of South Africa, recently succeeded in having his disqualification to run for parliament in the upcoming election overturned in court. This represents another challenge for the African National Congress’ initiative to stifle the growth in support for the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party, colloquially known as the MKP. Pre-election surveys indicate that the MKP’s popularity is on the rise, despite the ANC’s failed attempt last month to have the party deregistered.
In a concise court directive, it was stated that the appeal to Mr Zuma’s disqualification had been granted, and the objection to his candidacy had been thrown out. South Africa’s constitution bans anyone with a jail sentence exceeding 12 months from holding a seat in parliament. In 2021, Mr Zuma received a 15-month prison sentence for refusing a court order to testify during an investigation into claims about corruption in governmental and state-operated organisations whilst he was in power from 2009 to 2018.
MKP’s legal representatives contended that the Independent Electoral Commission overlooked the fact that Mr Zuma was only in jail for a short while due to medical parole, and later gained a reduction in his sentencing. Thus, they believe he should be allowed to run.
After Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as the ANC’s leader in 2017, Mr Zuma was made to step down as president in February 2018. Throughout his nine-year presidency, allegations of significant corruption and the theft of billions in state finances persisted. While Mr Zuma has repudiated these claims, he has yet to face any charges regarding these assertions.