Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
14 April 2024 | 15:41 CAT

South Africa’s Electoral Court made a significant decision on Tuesday, overturning an earlier ruling and allowing former President Jacob Zuma to run for office in the upcoming general election. This reversal of the previous decision, which had barred him from contesting the polls, has significant implications for the country’s political landscape.

The Independent Electoral Commission, in response to an objection against his candidacy, had initially ruled that Zuma could not run for office due to his criminal record. This decision, which was later overturned by the court, was a significant step in the process.

According to South Africa’s constitution, individuals convicted of a crime are not eligible to stand for elections as lawmakers. This was the basis of the objection against Zuma’s candidacy.

Zuma was convicted and sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2021 for defying a court order to appear before a judicial commission probing corruption allegations in government and state-owned companies during his presidential term from 2009 to 2018.

However, in a brief court order released on Tuesday, the court announced that Zuma and his party had succeeded in appealing and that the objection against his candidacy had been dismissed.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Political Analyst Zakhele Ndlovu expressed that the decision was a surprise, given Zuma’s criminal record.

Meanwhile, Ndlovu pointed out that the matter is legal and political, which may have influenced the Electoral Court to set aside the ruling against Zuma. They were concerned about the possibility of violence breaking out, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, and MK members warned of war if Zuma’s face did not appear on the ballot paper.

“The Judges also did not want to see a repeat of 2021 where there were riots as Mr Zuma’s supporters have threatened to unleash violence if he is not allowed to contest elections,” says Ndlovu.

The matter has now set a precedent for other political leaders who lost their positions after appearing in court to fight and stand as candidates in the upcoming elections.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam International with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Political Analyst Zakhele Ndlovu.