Jacob Zuma banned from 2024 elections due to criminal record

DURBAN, South Africa – In a significant development, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially confirmed that former President Jacob Zuma is barred from running for the presidency in the upcoming 2024 general elections due to his criminal record.

The IEC cited Section 47(e) of the South African Constitution, which prohibits individuals convicted and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment, without an option of a fine, from holding public office.

The Constitution states that the disqualification under this provision lasts for five years after the completion of the sentence, making Zuma ineligible for the 2024 elections.

The IEC clarified, “Therefore, this provision renders Former President JG Zuma disqualified to be on the list of any party contesting an election or to contest as an independent in the upcoming 2024 elections.”

Zuma, who served as the president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, faced legal troubles related to his defiance of a summons to appear before the State Capture Commission in 2021.

He was convicted and sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Although he spent a few months in correctional services, he was released on parole and later received a presidential pardon.

Despite his legal challenges, Zuma has been actively involved in politics and campaigning for the uMkhonto weSizwe party.

The party, founded with Zuma’s endorsement, is expected to announce him as its presidential candidate at the end of the month.

Zuma has expressed his desire to fix issues that were not addressed during his presidency.

During a recent address at the Nazareth Baptist Church’s annual pilgrimage, Zuma stated, “I was removed while I was still fighting for black people; therefore, I want to go back to fix things that had not been fixed.”

He urged the congregation to pray for his return.

The uMkhonto weSizwe party, which turned one month old on Tuesday, is positioning itself for the upcoming elections.

While the party’s national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlela, remained secretive about the presidential candidate, indications point to Zuma as the primary face of their campaign.

Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe commented on the situation, stating that Zuma’s role in the party need not be confined to the presidency.

Seepe suggested that Zuma could effectively influence the country’s direction from outside Parliament, emphasizing the party-led government concept.

As South Africa gears up for the 2024 elections, Zuma’s legal hurdles continue to shape the political landscape, raising questions about the impact of his involvement in the uMkhonto weSizwe party’s electoral strategy.