Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Queenin Masuabi
Published on 2024-04-10 21:19:59
The Electoral Court has granted Jacob Zuma, the prominent figure of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party’s campaign, permission to run for public office in the upcoming elections on 29 May. The decision was made despite Zuma having served a three-month contempt of court sentence. The court’s ruling was compared to the case of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who had also faced a legal challenge due to a sentence exceeding 12 months without the option of a fine.
The legal counsel for the MK party, Dali Mpofu SC, argued that the interpretation of the law, specifically section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, should allow Zuma to stand for office. Mpofu emphasized the importance of upholding political rights and preventing any infringements on individuals’ rights to participate in the democratic process.
The court’s decision on Zuma’s eligibility raised questions and concerns among observers, prompting the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to request the release of the judgment to understand the rationale behind the ruling. Despite the controversy, Zuma’s name remains on the final candidate list published by the IEC.
The MK party’s popularity has been on the rise, with recent polls indicating a strong showing and potential growth in support. The Social Research Foundation (SRF) suggested that the MK party could become the third-largest political party in South Africa, surpassing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The SRF polling also highlighted Zuma’s favorable ratings in key constituencies, contributing to the party’s success.
Although the predictions from polling conducted by the SRF and The Brenthurst Foundation forecast positive outcomes for the MK party, there has been criticism regarding the reliability and accuracy of these surveys. The upcoming elections hold significance for Zuma and the MK party as they aim to secure a prominent position in South African politics.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to stand for public office has highlighted the importance of upholding democratic principles and political rights. The decision by the Electoral Court to clear Zuma’s candidacy has set the stage for a competitive electoral contest, with the MK party gaining momentum and challenging established political parties in South Africa.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
