The court has granted former South African President Jacob Zuma permission to participate in the forthcoming election.
The country’s electoral court has ruled in favor of former South African President Jacob Zuma, allowing him to contest the upcoming election.
In a judgement issued on Tuesday, April 9, the court overturned the decision by South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (SAIEC) last month, which had barred Zuma from participating in the elections. SAIEC had cited Zuma’s criminal record as the reason for the prohibition.
In 2021, Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defying a court order to appear before a judicial commission investigating corruption allegations during his presidency from 2009 to 2018.
Despite this, the electoral court’s brief ruling stated that an appeal by Zuma and his party was successful, resulting in the dismissal of objections against his candidacy.
“The decision of the Electoral Commission is set aside,” the court wrote.
After being cleared to contest the election, Zuma is anticipated to stand as a presidential candidate representing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which he established last year after departing from the African National Congress (ANC).
The election is scheduled to be held on May 29.
