A South African court overturns ban, rules that former leader Jacob Zuma can run in the election

Former South African President Jacob Zuma appears in the Electoral High Court, Johannesburg, Monday, April 8, 2024

South Africa’s Electoral Court has reversed its earlier decision and ruled that former President Jacob Zuma can indeed run for office in the upcoming general election. This decision allows Zuma to potentially become a presidential candidate for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), a new political entity he joined after distancing himself from the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

The country is set to elect 400 members of the General Assembly on May 29, with the new parliament choosing the president a month later.

Initially, the Independent Electoral Commission barred Zuma from running due to his criminal record, which included a 15-month prison sentence for defying a court order related to corruption allegations during his presidency from 2009 to 2018.

However, the Electoral Court's recent ruling, following Zuma's appeal, dismissed objections against his candidacy, enabling him to stand for office. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party expressed satisfaction with the decision, highlighting that they had always believed Zuma's exclusion was unjust.

Nhlamulo Ndhlela, the party's spokesperson, indicated that Zuma would be listed as their presidential candidate on the ballot, potentially securing a seat in parliament. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain if the MK Party can secure a parliamentary majority necessary for Zuma to become president.

Political analyst Dirk Kotze noted that Zuma might leverage this court victory to reinforce his narrative that the initial ban was politically motivated against him.