MK members brandish banners with the face of former ANC and state president Jacob Zuma on them. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images, Getty Images)
The South African Electoral Commission (IEC) has responded to the Electoral Tribunal's ruling that former president Jacob Zuma is eligible to run for parliament under the banner of the Umkhonto Wisizwe (MK) party in the May general election. It has been announced that an urgent application has been filed with the Constitutional Court for an appeal. Despite his criminal history, he participated in the election.
The Electoral Tribunal on Tuesday overturned the IEC's decision to uphold the challenge to Zuma's candidacy over his 2021 conviction and 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court, but did not immediately provide reasons for the decision. Didn't make it clear.
In a short statement on Friday, the IEC said its appeal was “not aimed at engaging the field of political activity, but rather ensuring that the constitutional provisions applicable in connection with elections are clearly understood in all roles.” “By doing so, we aim to ensure free and fair elections.” -Applies equally to players. ”
“We therefore hope that this issue will be decided before Election Day,” it added.
Addressing MK party supporters on Thursday, Mr Zuma slammed the IEC's decision in March to ban him and similarly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversy over foreign currency theft during the Phalafala match. He suggested that not disqualifying him showed bias. Farm in Limpopo.
The incident raised questions about how Mr Ramaphosa obtained the funds in the first place and whether he acted appropriately in reporting the theft.
“This is the person who stole the money and hid it under the mattress in the house, but the IEC is not saying anything about him. They are targeting someone who has never even stolen a needle, someone they call Jacob Zuma. , insists that “I don't steal.'' [on the ballot]” Zuma said on Thursday.
“What does the IEC have to do with politics? Because their only job is to make sure we get to vote. It’s not their problem who the president of this country is going to be, but they has seen my name and says I won't be on the ballot.”
Mr Ramaphosa's opponents and critics have accused Farah of public protector Kholeka Gkareka of his misconduct, including unsubstantiated allegations that he breached the code of ethics.・Continues to harshly criticize Mr. Parra.
Mr Zuma's application to the Electoral Tribunal will depend on whether then-Correctional Commissioner Arthur Fraser and Mr Ramaphosa will grant him an exemption from imprisonment in 2021 by the Constitutional Court.
His sentence was reduced in August 2023 and he did not have to return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence after the Court of Appeal found Mr Fraser's instructions were unlawful.
IEC lawyer Thembeka Ncukaitobi told the court that the pardon does not change the sentence imposed by the Constitutional Court, and therefore the fact remains that Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in prison and is disqualified from running for parliament. He said it would be done.
Mr Zuma's lawyer Dali Mpofu said the IEC's decision to exclude his client was a violation of Mr Zuma's rights and would deprive MK party supporters of the opportunity to vote for candidates of their choice. He argued that it would be.
“We are addressing the rights of former President Zuma that were violated,” Mpofu said, adding that according to the law, “every citizen has the right to run for political office and, if elected, to hold political office.” ” he added.
“We found that the IEC's attitude on this matter was, 'Let's see where we can get him, and when we do, let's make sure he doesn't come out alive.' That should not be the attitude of a South African institution, much less an independent body tasked with ensuring that all Article 19 rights are realized. ”
Mr Ngukaitobi told the court that Mr Zuma was not eligible to be a candidate “at this time” and was not eligible to enter parliament. He stressed that the president's decision does not rewrite the sentence imposed on Mr Zuma.
“It was not even the president’s decision to change it from 15 months to 3 months. “The president did not change Mr Zuma's sentence; he had the power to change the sentence.”
