South Africa's Supreme Court Bars Ex-president Zuma from Parliamentary Run
In a significant ruling, South Africa's highest court has declared that former president Jacob Zuma cannot participate in the upcoming crucial general election as a parliamentary candidate.
South Africa’s highest court has decided that former president Jacob Zuma cannot run for parliament in the upcoming important general election. This ruling puts an end to the speculation and legal battles that have been going on for months. It was uncertain whether Zuma, who was once the leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) but later became a problem for the party and a prominent figure for a rival party, would be allowed to compete in the country's top legislative body.
Zuma stepped down as president in 2018 due to corruption scandals and disagreements within the ANC. He was also convicted of contempt of court for not cooperating with an anti-corruption commission.
Seth Mazibuko was just 16 years old when he helped lead the Soweto youth uprising on 16th June 1976. He was arrested and held in solitary confinement for 11 months at the Fort Prison in Johannesburg before being jailed on Robben Island for seven years.
Seth Mazibuko, only 16 years old at the time, played a significant role in the Soweto youth uprising on 16th June 1976. Following his involvement, he was arrested and spent 11 months in solitary confinement at the Fort Prison in Johannesburg. Subsequently, he was sentenced to seven years in jail on Robben Island.
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The court ruled on Monday that a sentence prevented him from running for office.
Justice Leona Theron stated, “(Zuma) Is therefore unable to be a member of or run for election to the national assembly until five years after serving his sentence.”
"We were pleased with the ruling and believe it was well thought out. A contempt of court charge is very serious and should not be taken lightly. The constitutional court has emphasized this," Neeshan Balton from the Ahmed Kathrada foundation expressed on a local TV interview.
The ANC's majority is in jeopardy.
Zuma's uMkhonto WeSizwe Party is seen as a potential threat to the ANC, especially in KwaZulu-Natal province. There are concerns among ANC members that the new party could chip away at the ruling party's support in the region.
The upcoming vote on May 29th will be a significant challenge for the ANC, as numerous opposition parties are competing for votes. Many experts believe that the ANC's majority may be at risk. Despite a court ruling that Zuma cannot run for MP, his party will still participate in the election, and his name will still appear on the ballot.
A representative of the party did not respond to queries from CNN.
Editor's P/S:
The court's decision to bar former president Jacob Zuma from running for parliament in South Africa's upcoming election is a significant blow to his political aspirations and could have major implications for the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Zuma, a once-popular figure who led the ANC to victory in the country's first democratic elections in 1994, has been plagued by corruption scandals and legal battles in recent years. His attempt to make a political comeback has been met with resistance from within the ANC and from the judiciary.
The court's ruling is a reminder that no one is above the law, not even former presidents. It also sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in South Africa. The ANC, which has been in power since the end of apartheid, is facing a number of challenges, including a sluggish economy and high unemployment. The loss of Zuma, who remains a popular figure in some quarters, could further weaken the party's support and make it more difficult for the ANC to retain its majority in parliament.
