The ruling by the Electoral Court that allowed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party to remain on the ballot for the May 29 elections has been approved by the African National Congress (ANC).
The governing party’s request that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) de-register the MK party—which is supported by former president Jacob Zuma—was denied by the Electoral Court.
On Tuesday, the court handed down its ruling in Johannesburg.
“It will fully comply with the Electoral Court judgement,” the African National Congress declared in a statement.
The ruling party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the nation’s laws and the rule of law.
The MK Party’s legal representative warned the court last week that allowing the party to run for office might have major ramifications for free and fair elections.
It has now been made clear that the IEC was the target of the lawsuit, not the MK Party.
“Essentially, the case we are handling is one involving the ANC and the IEC. The MK party, as an interested party whose “IEC registration” could be adversely affected by the likely conclusion, was invited to actively participate in the proceeding.
As a result, contrary to what some have said, the case is not one that directly involves the ANC and the MK party.
“Justice and lawfulness are values that the ANC defends.
“As long as the IEC’s registration procedure followed the law, we have nothing against the party’s inclusion on the ballot.”
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