According to the IEC, Jacob Zuma is still the MK Party’s recognized leader and face.
The MK Party’s founder, Jabulani Khumalo, requested that Zuma be taken from the party’s list of prospective lawmakers and removed as its spokesperson. The IEC complied.
“The Electoral Commission affirms that it has received correspondence from Mr. Jabulani Khumalo, who is speaking on behalf of the MK Party. Mr. Khumalo requests that Mr. Zuma be removed from his position as the MKP president and “face.”
“The commission restates its position that it stays out of political parties’ internal matters. Furthermore, the commission only takes action at the registered party leader’s request. In this instance, Mr. Jacob Zuma is the MK Party’s officially recognized leader. Since April 10, 2024, this has been the case,” it stated.
Khumalo said in a letter dated May 5 that Zuma is using his position as leader fraudulently.
“Under these circumstances, I request urgently that the Electoral Commission remove Mr. Zuma’s name as the ‘face’ of MKP,” the letter states in part. Additionally, he ought to step down as MKP president right away. He uses dishonest and unlawful tactics to hold both jobs.”
On the MKP’s list of nominees for the National Assembly, Zuma is ranked first.
In a letter to Zuma, Khumalo also stated that he had “several acts of misconduct” and put him on precautionary suspension.
Zuma kicked Khumalo from of the ANC last month.
Arguments regarding Zuma’s eligibility to run for parliament as one of the MK party’s candidates in the elections will be heard by the Constitutional Court on Friday.
The electoral court’s ruling allowing Zuma to run for parliament was challenged by the IEC to the highest court.
“There is a substantial risk of a disputed electoral outcome if Mr. Zuma is allowed to stand despite his disqualification, which would erode the foundations of our constitutional order and the rule of law,” Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, the IEC’s advocate, stated in court documents.
Speaking with a number of political specialists, Sowetan was informed that the party’s poor foundational work had been demonstrated by the internal strife.
The question of what will happen to the party in the future really arises. Professor Sethulego Matebesi of the University of Free State stated, “We have a party that has won significant court cases, and I applaud them for using democratic institutions, but the internal dynamics feel to me like they are starting on the very wrong footing and it is very confusing for the South African voters.”
Read Also: Remove Jacob Zuma From the MK Party’s Face, Jabulani Khumalo Orders IEC
According to Sanet Solomon, a lecturer in Unisa’s political science department, there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the MK Party ever since its founding.
“Jabulani Khumalo’s dismissal indicated a bad turn for the party and potential internal strife. The party’s lack of unity in the lead-up to the elections is further cemented by Khumalo’s demand to have Zuma ousted, according to Solomon.
This places the IEC in an unusual situation. Given that Zuma now holds the top spot on the MK party’s list, it is unclear how the suspended Khumalo letter will be received.”
Leave a Reply