JOHANNESBURG – Opposition party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) has reiterated that it will stop at nothing to guarantee that Jacob Zuma participates in the next parliamentary elections, even if it means changing the Constitution.
This determination follows the upholding of an objection to Zuma’s candidature by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
The former president is no longer eligible to run for office due to a rule that prohibits anyone serving a term of more than a year in prison from doing so without first receiving a fine.
Zuma was found in contempt of court in 2021 and sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Support remains for Zuma despite setback
However, the MK Party is unwavering in its support of Zuma in spite of the setback.
The former president is still the party’s face, according to spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, even if he isn’t eligible to run for office.
“We get a two-thirds majority and change the Constitution. What’s most important here is what the people want, what you see on the list is a reflection of people we have engaged across the country,” Ndhlela remarked.
The IEC has granted the former convict and the MK party until April 2 to challenge the decision at the Electoral Court, with a judgment expected by April 9.
Zuma’s potential exclusion from the ballot has stirred controversy, with supporters and critics alike closely monitoring developments as the electoral process unfolds.