Jacob Zuma Barred From Running For Elections




Former President Jacob Zuma has been barred from running in South Africa's general election in May.

The country's electoral commission has not provided a reason.

However, his 2021 conviction and imprisonment for contempt of court would appear to disqualify him.

Mr Zuma's support for the new uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has been interpreted as a potential threat to the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has suspended him.

He served as president from 2009 to 2018.

His was the first name on the MK's candidate list, but the electoral commission received objections to him potentially becoming a member of the National Assembly.

"In the case of former President Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld," said electoral commission head Mosotho Moepya on Thursday, without further explanation.

Mr Zuma received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 for contempt of court and the constitution says anyone who has had a prison sentence of longer than 12 months is not eligible to run for election.


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