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.
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Commanders release Shaka Toney after he was reinstated following a gambling suspension
Arizona judge declares mistrial in the case of a rancher accused of fatally shooting a migrant
NASCAR revels in an M.J. moment. His Airness gives a big boost to his posthoops passion
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
A new report says Mexico has abandoned protection of loggerhead sea turtles
Venezuela's president meets with accuser in ongoing criminal probe into human rights abuse
Jailed FTX founder Sam Bankman
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
North Korean leader Kim leads rocket drills that simulate a nuclear counterattack against enemies
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Ministry of Defence gives Ukrainian soldiers free cigarettes