Former South African President Zuma disqualified from running in election

Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been barred from running for parliament in the upcoming election, a decision that could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape. The constitutional court ruled on Monday that Zuma’s 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualifies him from standing in the May 29 election, as the constitution prohibits anyone sentenced to more than 12 months in prison from holding a parliamentary seat.

Zuma, who was forced to resign as president in 2018, has been campaigning for a new party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), posing a threat to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal where he remains popular. The ANC’s majority is already at risk after 30 years in power, and Zuma’s involvement with the MK party could further shake up the political landscape.

The decision to bar Zuma from running for parliament has raised concerns about potential unrest from his supporters, particularly after his jailing in 2021 led to deadly riots in KwaZulu-Natal. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed confidence in the rule of law and the readiness of security forces to handle any potential violence.

Despite the ruling, Zuma’s face will still appear on the ballots as the registered leader of the MK party. An Ipsos opinion poll published in April showed support for MK at around 8%, compared to over 40% for the ANC. If the ANC fails to secure over 50% support in the election, it may have to form a coalition government for the first time since the end of apartheid.

At a recent campaign rally, Zuma promised his supporters free education for disadvantaged children and job creation through the MK party. The upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment in South Africa’s political history, with the outcome potentially reshaping the country’s leadership and direction.