The Electoral Commission (IEC) says the matter of former President Jacob Zuma reportedly running for political office is not before the IEC, but that the country’s Constitution dictates who is eligible to run.
This comes as questions remain over Zuma’s eligibility to hold public office through the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, following his 15-month jail sentence after being found in contempt of court for failing to appear before the State Capture Commission.
Mamabolo says the constitution is very clear.
‘The matter is not before the commission in a formal sense. So we’re dealing with it in abstract terms – but here are the constitutional provisions. Section 47 says that if you’ve been sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without an option of a fine and in instances where you served the sentence, five years must have elapsed before you hold office. There’s also a critical thing is to look at the nuance, that it says you can’t hold office in either the National Assembly or the Provincial Legislature if those two circumstances obtain.”
2024 Elections | KZN opposition parties say MK party is a gift as it will reduce ANC support:
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr. Ralph Mathekga stated on Thursday that the African National Congress is concerned about its former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party.
He was reacting to the remarks by ANC National Executive Committee member Senzo Mchunu who expressed fear that Zuma could incite more civil unrest.
Mathekga noted that the ANC has not established any inquiry into the leader’s suspected involvement in the 2021 unrest.
Below is Mathekga’s full interview on SAfm’s Sunrise programme:
