Writer and political analyst, Kim Heller, is adamant that uMkhonto weSizwe (MK party) will still fare very well in the upcoming general elections despite its leader, former president Jacob Zuma, being removed from the national party list.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Thursday announced that it has disqualified Zuma from contesting for a seat in parliament in the forthcoming election to be held on May 29.
“The IEC decision means that the MK number one candidate, the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma will not be eligible to be in parliament. My view: the MK party will fare very well in the upcoming elections and the Zuma Factor will remain whether he is in parliament or not,” said Heller.
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The Commission stated that it had notified the MK party about Zuma not being eligible to contest for a seat in the National Assembly.
“In the case of former president Zuma, yes, we did receive an objection, which has been upheld,” the Commission’s chairperson Mosotho Moepya said in a media briefing.
In a statement, the Commission explained that under the constitution “any person who was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine” cannot stand in an election.
“Any objector, party or candidate aggrieved by the decision of the Commission may appeal the decision with the Electoral Court by 02 April 2024.”
The Commission is expected to release a final list of political parties and candidates to appear on the ballot papers on 10 April 2024.
