South Africa's Former President Jacob Zuma Ineligible for May Election

Jacob Zuma, ousted in 2018 amid corruption charges, cannot run in the upcoming May elections, sparking further tension.

South Africa anticipates its most competitive elections since 1994 on May 29. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) faces the risk of obtaining less than 50% of the vote due to economic challenges and corruption accusations.

Despite his 2018 resignation, 81-year-old Zuma remains influential and has been actively supporting the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, branding some ANC members as "traitors". However, the electoral commission confirmed an upheld objection to his candidacy without detailing the reasons.

The electoral commission's ruling adds to MK's issues, including a legal battle with the ANC over name and logo similarities, alleging intellectual property theft. A decision on this is pending.

The elections are crucial, with the ANC possibly needing to form a coalition to maintain power. Opinion polls suggest the ANC might secure just over 40% of the vote.

Zuma's eligibility is complicated by a 2021 sentence to 15 months in jail for contempt of court, though he was released on medical parole, a decision later deemed illegal but not enforced due to a general remission.

Zuma faces additional corruption charges from the 1990s. He cannot technically seek re-election having served two terms. The final electoral lists are pending, with 82 appeals related to candidacy received. Despite his controversies, Zuma's support for MK affects the ANC, highlighting his enduring popularity.