JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African President Jacob Zuma was barred Monday from running for Parliament in next week’s national election over a previous criminal conviction, the latest twist in his return to politics.
The decision by the country’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, may still be appealed. It ruled that Zuma is only eligible to serve as a lawmaker five years after his 2021 sentence for contempt of court was completed.
Zuma is now the leader of a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party, and is campaigning against the long-ruling African National Congress he once led.
Analysts say the ANC, which has comfortably held power since Nelson Mandela became the country’s first Black president in 1994, might receive less than 50% of votes in next Wednesday’s election and lose its parliamentary majority.
That would be the ANC’s worst electoral performance since it came into power in South Africa at the end of apartheid.
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
China Stuns Defending Champion Sweden in Olympic Women's Team Curling
In Pics: Closing Ceremony of Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games
Zero Tolerance for Sexual Assault Against Minors: Top Procuratorate
Revealed: Brit tourist, 19, subjected to sex attack in Majorca 'was gang
China's Gu Ailing Qualifies for Freeski Big Air Final at Beijing 2022
Children View Lanterns at Lantern Making Center in Hebei
Special Train Helps Migrant Workers in Guizhou Return to Work
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Chinese Elderly Consumers to Contribute 10 Percent of GDP by 2030: Report