South Africa’s highest court has dealt a blow to former President Jacob Zuma’s political ambitions, barring him from running for parliament in next week’s general election. The Constitutional Court ruled that his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court disqualified him from seeking political office.
Zuma, who was released from prison after serving three months, had argued that his sentence was effectively cancelled. However, the court disagreed, citing the country’s constitution, which prohibits anyone sentenced to 12 months or more in prison from serving in parliament.
The ruling is a setback for Zuma’s newly formed party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which has been campaigning on a platform of changing the constitution to allow Zuma to return to power. MK secretary general Sihle Ngubane expressed disappointment but vowed that the party’s campaign would continue uninterrupted.
Zuma’s supporters have a history of violence, and some leaders had threatened unrest if he was disqualified. However, MK officials have recently toned down their rhetoric, focusing instead on winning a two-thirds majority to change the constitution.
Political analyst Levy Ndou believes the ruling will test Zuma’s character and the loyalty of his supporters. If MK’s chances are weakened, it could benefit the governing African National Congress (ANC), which is seeking to extend its 30-year rule.
The election is shaping up to be a tight contest, with the ANC facing challenges from MK and other opposition parties. An Ipsos opinion poll released last month gave MK 8% of the vote, while the ANC garnered 40%. However, some analysts predict the ANC could still cross the 50% mark with its stepped-up campaign efforts.
Former President Thabo Mbeki recently joined the ANC’s campaign, denouncing Zuma as a “wolf in sheep’s skin” and a “counter-revolutionary.” The election will be a crucial test for South Africa’s democracy, with voters set to choose their next leaders on May 29.
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