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.
The government wants to buy their flood
State Councilor stresses need for elderly care meal services, continuous post
3 dead in east China residential complex fire
Greece expects more Chinese visitors with extra direct air links
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Mascherano confirms Messi Olympics talks
China sees 160M domestic tourist trips during May Day holiday
Greece expects more Chinese visitors with extra direct air links
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Hanjiang River in south China sees 2nd flood of 2024
Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
Macao announces schedule for election of Chief Executive Election Committee