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The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) has upheld an objection against former president Jacob Zuma's participation in the upcoming general elections.
Addressing the media in Tshwane on Thursday afternoon, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya announced that Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) had been formally notified of the decision, effectively disqualifying the former president from contesting a parliamentary seat for the 29 May polls.
READ: ANC dealt a blow as electoral court finds MKP's registration as a political party must stand
Zuma, currently on medical parole and facing numerous corruption allegations, held the top spot on the MKP's candidate list for parliament. However, the 81-year-old's candidacy was among those challenged, with a total of eight candidates facing objections.
Moepya said:
The IEC chair said Zuma had until 2 April to appeal his exclusion at the Electoral Court.
The IEC clarified that while Zuma cannot stand as a candidate for parliament, the MK party itself remains eligible to participate in the elections as an organisation.
The objection stemmed from Zuma's criminal record, rendering him ineligible for election to the National Assembly. According to the IEC, a candidate could face disqualification if they had been sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine.
READ: MK Party says electoral court ruling on IEC registration shows judiciary is ‘no longer biased’
Zuma was sentenced to a 15-month prison term in 2021 after being found guilty of contempt of the Constitutional Court for refusing to appear before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry.
