The IEC has lodged an appeal against the Electoral Court’s ruling over the MK Party appeal for Zuma to run for public office. Image: SABC News
IEC launches fresh court bid to bar Jacob Zuma from 29 May ballot
The IEC says it is challenging the Electoral Court over its decision to allow MK Party leader Jacob Zuma to appear on the ballot paper.
The IEC has lodged an appeal against the Electoral Court’s ruling over the MK Party appeal for Zuma to run for public office. Image: SABC News
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has lodged an urgent appeal to the Constitutional Court against the Electoral Court’s decision to set aside the IEC’s decision following the appeal by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
On Tuesday, the Electoral Court ruled in favour of former President of the Republic Jacob Zuma’s appeal against the Independent Electoral Commission’s decision to bar him from standing for elections.
[Media Statement]
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) April 12, 2024
Electoral Commission approaches the Constitutional Court for Clarity on Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/nMsyg82ghB
‘SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE MATTER’
“The Commission believes there is substantial public interest in providing certainty on the proper interpretation of section 47(1)(e) and its interplay with the powers of the Commission to adjudicate objections to candidates.,” the Commission said.
“Such clarity is important in the present matter because of a live issue but also for future elections. It is furthermore important that such legal clarification is obtained from the highest court in the land which has constitutional-matter jurisdiction. Hence, a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court,” it further stated.
TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS – SAYS IEC
The Commission said the appeal was not intended to involve itself in the political field of play but rather to ensure free and fair elections.
“We therefore wish for the matter to be determined before the date of the election,” it said in a statement.
Some South Africans said that the MK Party’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, had a lot to do with Zuma’s victory because he presented solid legal arguments. Mpofu also said that the Electoral Court has no authority or jurisdiction to hear the matter.
ELECTORAL COURT HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER MATTER – MPOFU
Zuma is number one on the list of candidates for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to Parliament. The party leader was appealing the IEC’s decision to disqualify him from contesting the upcoming elections as the presidential candidate of the MK Party.
“At face value, we are dealing with the right to vote for those who support this party and former president Jacob Zuma… We find disturbing that the attitude of the electoral commission in this matter is exactly the opposite. The attitude has been: ‘Let’s see where we can catch him… Let’s ensure he doesn’t come out alive,” Mpofu said during the hearing.
