In response to the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) appeal in the case of former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party nomination, the Constitutional Court has issued an order.
Respondents who are contesting the application were instructed by the Supreme Court to submit their responding affidavits by Thursday at the latest.
The judge further stated that more orders might be given.
Due to his jail term following his conviction for contempt in 2021, Zuma was first prohibited from running for public office by the IEC.
The MK Party and Zuma launched a challenge, which was accepted by the Electoral Court.
Section 47 of the Constitution, which states that a candidate cannot be elected to Parliament or a legislature if they have been found guilty of a crime and condemned without the option of a fine, provides the foundation for the IEC’s decision to appeal the decision.
According to IEC spokeswoman Kate Bapela, the commission required clarification on the Electoral Court’s ruling.
“The Commission considers that there is a significant public interest in establishing clarity on the correct reading of section 47(1)(e) and how it interacts with the Commission’s authority to consider candidate objections.
“Since this is a current issue, clarification is crucial in this case as well as for upcoming elections. Furthermore, it is crucial that any legal explanation be received from the nation’s highest court, which has jurisdiction over constitutional matters.
“Hence, a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court.”
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