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.
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Surridge, Mukhtar, Zimmerman lead Nashville past Montreal 4
WAGS are back: Iris Law joins line
Uber and Lyft say they'll stay in Minnesota after Legislature passes driver pay compromise
Christopher Bell stops run of misfortune with pole qualifying run at Kansas Speedway
Taylor Pendrith leads Byron Nelson as one of several seeking first PGA Tour victory
Alison Hammond explains why she charges son Aidan, 19, rent despite being a multi
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
Chicho scores 9th goal of season, Real Salt Lake beats Sporting KC 1
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
New Orleans' own PJ Morton returns home to Jazz Fest with new music