Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
27 December 2023 | 12:48 CAT

Colorado’s Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump cannot run for president next year in the state, citing a constitutional insurrection clause – Image/Google

In a groundbreaking legal development, a Colorado court has ruled that Donald Trump cannot run for president in the state’s primary election due to his actions leading up to the January 6 riot. This decision raises critical questions about the implications for the 2024 general election and the ongoing legal challenges facing the former president.

The first-of-its-kind ruling stems from a lawsuit that focused on a little-known provision in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Similar challenges in other states have proven unsuccessful.
The court ruled that Mr Trump was not an eligible candidate because he had engaged in an insurrection over the US Capitol riot nearly three years ago.

In their 4-3 ruling, the Colorado judges said: “We do not reach these conclusions lightly. We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach.”

“A majority of the court holds that President Trump is disqualified from holding the office of President under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the Colorado ruling said. “Because he is disqualified, it would be a wrongful act under the Election Code for the Colorado Secretary of State to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot.”

The court put its decision on hold until Jan. 4 to allow further appeals. It also said that if the matter is pursued before the U.S. Supreme Court before that date, the pause will remain in effect, and Colorado will be required to include Trump’s name on the primary ballot pending action by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Dr Dale McKinley welcomes the Colorado court ruling.

“It is a fair legal interpretation of the US constitution and the electoral laws as well as long overdue,” says Dr Mckinley.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Muallimah Annisa Essack.