Jacob Zuma Disqualified From Contesting Elections, Confirms IEC

Former President Jacob Zuma has been disqualified from contesting as a party candidate in the upcoming May 29th elections.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed on Thursday that it has received and upheld an objection in relation to Zuma’s nomination. Zuma, who is candidate number one on the list of the newly formed Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, was named as their presidential candidate.

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However, Section 47 of the constitution stipulates that a candidate cannot be elected to parliament or legislature if they have been convicted of a crime and sentenced without an option for a fine. The candidate can only become eligible again after five years.

IEC Chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, stated that the commission did uphold an objection received against Zuma. He further explained that Zuma has the right to object to the commission’s decision at the Electoral Court by April 2nd, 2024.

The commission received a total of 82 objections in relation to candidates nominated by 21 political parties. Moepya highlighted that the eligibility criteria and qualifications for the national assembly and provincial legislature are outlined in Sections 47 and 106 of the constitution.

These sections state that every citizen who is qualified to vote for the national assembly and/or provincial legislature is eligible to stand for election, except for individuals who have been declared of unsound mind by a court of the republic, unrehabilitated insolvents, and those convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine.

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This disqualification period ends five years after the completion of the sentence. However, it’s important to note that this ground of disqualification does not extend to persons who are yet to be sentenced and those who, while sentenced, are yet to exhaust the available appeal mechanisms.

The commission dismissed objections in relation to seven candidates and sustained one objection. Moepya emphasized that the commission can only act within the confines of the law and the constitution.

The commission has communicated its determinations to the objectors, candidates, and nominating parties. Any objector, party, or candidate who is aggrieved by the commission’s decision may appeal to the Electoral Court by April 2nd, 2024.

The process of candidate nomination will conclude with the commission releasing the lists of political parties and candidates that will appear on the various ballot papers. These lists will be published on April 10th, 2024.