The South African Electoral Commission has taken its case to the country’s Constitutional Court following a recent decision by judges to overturn a ban preventing former President Jacob Zuma from running in the upcoming election.
The commission had initially disqualified Zuma’s candidacy, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit individuals sentenced to more than 12 months in prison from holding public office.
Zuma had received a 15-month sentence for contempt of court in 2021, though he served only three months behind bars.
However, earlier this week, South Africa’s electoral court overturned the ban without providing detailed reasoning for its decision.
In response, the Electoral Commission has sought legal clarification from the nation’s highest court on this matter. Officials emphasized the significant public interest in obtaining clear guidance on the interpretation of relevant laws.
The appeal to the Constitutional Court underscores the importance of resolving this issue to ensure transparency and adherence to constitutional principles ahead of the upcoming election.