Former South African president disputes constitutionality of his disqualification as candidate

Judgement was reserved in the case between former President Jacob Zuma and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over the correct interpretation of Section 47 of the Constitution. Zuma has been disqualified from standing as a candidate in the upcoming 29 May elections because of this section of the Constitution. Earlier this month, the commission upheld an objection to Zuma’s candidacy and disqualified him from standing for legislative seats in upcoming general elections. This was based on Zuma’s 15-month sentence for contempt of court in 2021. However, Zuma has approached the Electoral Court to challenge this. [ . . . ] Section 47 of the Constitution bars Zuma from being a member of Parliament due to his 15-month prison sentence according to SABC News. The law stipulates that anyone convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months without an option of a fine is disqualified for five years after the sentence is completed.
Read the full article here: The South African