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.
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Megan Fox reveals what she REALLY thinks about her Love Is Blind's 'look
Melissa George gives fans a rare glimpse at her newborn baby boy after giving birth at 47
Connor McDavid becomes 4th in NHL history with 100 assists as the Oilers rout the Sharks 9
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Donald Glover set to debut new Childish Gambino music on upcoming livestream
Russia says int'l cooperation necessary in fighting terrorism
China urges Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea
Revealed: Brit tourist, 19, subjected to sex attack in Majorca 'was gang
Myanmar junta soldiers surrender in ethnic army’s first Tanintharyi win — Radio Free Asia
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Qingdao cemetery put under investigation for illegal expansion