ConCourt upholds decision of Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to contest the elections

The Constitutional Court has ruled in favour of the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) challenge to Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to contest the elections.

The court, on Monday, dismissed the Electoral Court’s earlier decision, clearing the former president’s candidacy for the upcoming national elections.

The court found Zuma may not be elected to the National Assembly until five years have passed since the completion of his sentence. This follows his 2021 contempt conviction and sentence.

“It’s declared that Mr Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment for purposes of section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, and is accordingly not eligible to be a member and does not qualify to stand for election to the National Assembly until five years have elapsed since the completion of his sentence,’’ said Justice Leona Theron.

“The order of the Electoral Court is set aside and replaced with the following: ‘the appeal is dismissed’.”

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party reacted to the judgment by saying it was undeterred.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa