South Africa: ex-president Jacob Zuma excluded from next elections
In South Africa, former president Jacob Zuma has been excluded from the next legislative elections scheduled in 2 months, according to an announcement made this Thursday by the independent electoral commission. Jacob Zuma headed the list of a brand new party -Umkhonto we Sizwe, also called MK.
The former South African president during a press conference on July 7, 2021 at his home in Nkandla. AP - Shiraaz Mohamed
By: RFI Follow
Advertisement
Read more
“
Regarding
Jacob Zuma,
we received an objection which was upheld
,” the president of the electoral commission simply declared. The commission recalled that according to the Constitution, a person convicted and sentenced to more than 12 months of imprisonment cannot appear.
This is the case of Jacob Zuma, sentenced to 15 months in prison 3 years ago for contempt of justice after refusing to appear before an anti-corruption commission. He had only served 2 months before being released on medical parole.
In conflict with his party the ANC, the former president created a surprise in December by announcing his support for a small party - Umkhonto we Sizwe - or MK. He is also suspected of having created it. For several weeks, the ANC had been trying to block this new formation, credited with 13% in the latest polls.
This week she took legal action to try to stop him from using the name - Umkhonto we Sizwe - the name of the armed wing of the ANC during apartheid, arguing that it is a symbol and a legacy of the ruling party. The former president has until April 2 to appeal.
Read also Elections in South Africa: why the ANC is attacking the name of ex-president Jacob Zuma's party
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your inbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
Share :
Continue reading on the same themes:
South Africa
Jacob Zuma