The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has decided to approach the Constitutional Court to appeal the recent ruling by the Electoral Court regarding former President Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to run for public office.
The IEC’s main objective is to seek clarity on the application of section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, as it wants to ensure a comprehensive understanding of this provision.
Initially, the IEC disqualified Zuma from running for public office due to his prison sentence resulting from his conviction for contempt in 2021.
[ Electoral Court Finds Zuma Eligible To Participate In Elections ]
However, the recent ruling by the Electoral Court overturned this decision, allowing Zuma and his newly-formed Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party to participate in the upcoming elections.
The IEC emphasizes that its intention is not to engage in political manoeuvring but to obtain legal clarity. This clarity is not only crucial for the present matter but also for future elections.
To achieve this, the IEC believes it is imperative to seek legal clarification from the highest court in the country, which has jurisdiction over constitutional matters.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo highlights the significance of obtaining this legal clarification from the Constitutional Court. By doing so, the IEC aims to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
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