WRITTEN BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU
South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, has rendered a verdict barring former President Jacob Zuma from contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The ruling, based on Zuma’s 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, stems from his refusal to testify in a corruption inquiry during his presidency. Despite campaigning under the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, formed after his fallout with the African National Congress (ANC), Zuma’s candidacy has been invalidated.
While the MK party expressed disappointment, they affirmed Zuma’s leadership and stated the ruling would not affect their campaign. The judgment maintains Zuma’s presence on the ballot paper, even as his silence follows the court’s decision. ANC leader and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the ruling, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in resolving disputes. The emergence of MK has introduced a potential shift in South Africa’s political landscape, hinting at the ANC’s risk of losing its parliamentary majority since apartheid’s end.
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