Zuma barred from running as an election candidate

The Constitutional Court on Monday overturned an Electoral Court decision, and ruled that former President Jacob Zuma is not eligible to run for these elections. The Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) lodged an urgent application to challenge Zuma’s inclusion in the MK Party’s parliamentary list. IoL reports that the commission had released a list of candidates of parties, and in line with the law, asked for objections. It received an objection against Zuma, following his 15-month sentence at the Estcourt prison in KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 for defying the Constitutional Court. The IEC argued that according to Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, Zuma was automatically removed from participating in the public office. However, Zuma’s legal counsel argued that because he only served three of his 15 months sentence, he was fit to serve in the National Assembly. Zuma was released on medical parole on 5 September 2021, by the National Commissioner of Correctional Services. He only served three of his 15 months sentence imposed by the apex court for refusing to testify in the Zondo Commission into State Capture. He was then granted a special remission of sentence by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola due to prison overcrowding.

Full IoL report