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.
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
Nelly Korda shoots 69 to put herself in position for a record
Map reveals Britain's worst crash hotspots outside of London
Boy aged TEN is accused of 'abhorrent' sexual assault of Italian tourist, 23
Ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa poses with sidekick Millie Gibson at US premiere for new season
FIFA urged to review congested calendar or face legal action from player unions and leagues
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
Nelly Korda shoots 69 to put herself in position for a record
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
How to turn a supermarket bouquet into a lusher, more personalized flower arrangement