Former South African President Jacob Zuma barred from upcoming elections: summary

Former South African president Jacob Zuma visits Cape Town

Former South African president Jacob Zuma speaks during his visit to the Shekainah Healing Ministries in Philippi, where he campaigns for a new party, uMkhonto We Sizwe, for the upcoming election, in Cape Town, South Africa, March 10, 2024. REUTERS/Esa Alexander

Source: REUTERS

What we know

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa said on March 28 that it had barred former president Jacob Zuma's candidacy in the upcoming elections.
The commission explained that it had upheld an objection against the former president.
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said at a media briefing that they have received 82 objections about candidates nominated by 21 political parties for the 2024 national and provincial elections.
South Africa will hold the national and local government elections on May 29.
Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court in 2021, was nominated as a candidate for the elections by the newly formed MK Party.

What they said

"In the case of former president Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld," IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya was quoted by The East African. "We were unanimous. These are not matters we deal with that are personal. It is a provision of the law against which we must measure an objection and it's straightforward. It is whether the person qualifies or does not qualify," he added.

Believe Domor