In a landmark ruling, the Electoral Court, on Tuesday, ruled that former president Jacob Zuma is eligible to run for office in the 2024 elections.
This ruling came after the court overturned a decision by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which had previously disqualified Zuma based on his past criminal conviction.
Electoral Court rules Jacob Zuma can contest in 2024 elections
The controversy began when the IEC disqualified Zuma from running for a parliamentary seat, citing a 15-month prison sentence he had served for contempt of court.
This decision was challenged by Zuma’s legal team in the Electoral Court, led by Advocate Dali Mpofu, which reviewed the case this past Tuesday.
In their decision, the judges stated,
“The appeal succeeds. The decision of the electoral commission of 28 March 2024 in terms of which the electoral commission upheld Dr Matsapola’s objection to the second applicant’s candidacy [Mr Zuma] is set aside and substituted with the following: The objection is hereby dismissed.”
This ruling effectively clears the way for Zuma to represent the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party as a candidate in the upcoming election cycle.
With this court decision, Zuma regains the opportunity to actively participate in South Africa’s political landscape, an opportunity that was previously hindered by the IEC’s interpretation of his eligibility.