ConCourt gives MK Party deadline to file objections to IEC's case against Zuma election eligibility

CAPE TOWN - Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has been given until Thursday by the Constitutional Court to file its objection in the IEC's case on why he should be allowed to stand as a candidate in next month's election.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) approached the apex court last week after the Electoral Court overturned its decision on two objections that Zuma is ineligible because of his criminal conviction.

The two complainants to the IEC have also been cited as respondents in the matter.

On Monday, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party successfully defended a court challenge by the African National Congress (ANC) over its logo.

But it's facing another legal hurdle in the country's top court over its leader.

In directives issued by the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, the party is being asked to respond to the IEC's application for direct access to the court to appeal the Electoral Court's ruling that Zuma be allowed to contest the elections.

The Electoral Court did not give reasons for overturning the IEC's decision to uphold objections to Zuma's eligibility, saying these would be provided later.

The law excludes candidates who have been sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Zuma was handed a 15-month sentence for contempt of court in 2021. He only served three months before his sentence was remitted to alleviate overcrowding in prisons.

The IEC is asking the Constitutional Court to set aside the Electoral Court's decision allowing Zuma to contest a National Assembly seat.