South Africa's Electoral Court ruled on Tuesday that former President Jacob Zuma can run for office as a lawmaker in the upcoming election.
The decision opens the door for Zuma to run for president on behalf of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, a new political organization he founded last year after criticizing the ruling African National Congress party, which he previously led.
The Independent Electoral Commission had previously ruled that Zuma could not run for office due to his criminal record, following an objection to his candidacy.
The South African constitution prohibits people who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine from running for office as legislators.
Zuma was convicted and sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2021 for refusing to appear before a judicial commission investigating corruption allegations in government and state-owned companies during his 2009-2018 presidential term.
However, in a brief court order issued on Tuesday, the court announced that Zuma and his party's appeal was successful, and the objection to his candidacy was dismissed.