The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, the country’s election management body, said Thursday that it has upheld an objection against former president Jacob Zuma’s candidacy in the upcoming elections.
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said at a media briefing that they have received 82 objections about candidates nominated by 21 political parties for the 2024 national and provincial elections.
“In the case of former president Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld,” said Moepya.
“We were unanimous. These are not matters we deal with that are personal. It is a provision of the law against which we must measure an objection and it’s straightforward. It is whether the person qualifies or does not qualify.”
South Africa will holding the national and local government elections on May 29.
It would be recalled that Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court in 2021, was nominated as a candidate for the elections by the newly formed MK Party.
However, his 2021 conviction, and jailing, for contempt of court would appear to disqualify him.
His backing of the new uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has been seen as a possible threat to the governing ANC, which has suspended Mr Zuma.
He has until 2nd April to appeal against the decision.
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