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.
Elon Musk gets approval from FDA to implant his Neuralink brain chip into a second patient
Eurovision banned the EU flag from the song contest. The EU is angry and wants to know why
Dr. Cyril Wecht, famed forensic pathologist who argued more than 1 shooter killed JFK, dies at 93
Nigeria labor unions protest higher electricity prices
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
Evri issues warning over huge rise in smishing scams
Putin replaces Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in cabinet shakeup
Iranian filmmaker flees to Europe after prison sentence ahead of his Cannes premiere
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
Rory McIlroy wins record 4th Wells Fargo Championship title
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Are US interest rates high enough to beat inflation? The Fed will take its time to find out