IEC launches fresh court bid to bar Jacob Zuma from 29 May ballot
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The IEC says it’s challenging the Electoral Court over it’s decision to allow MK Party leader Jacob Zuma to be on the ballot paper.
The Independeent Electoral Commission (IEC) has lodged an urgent appeal to the Constitutional Court against the Electoral Court’s decision to set aside the IEC’s decision following the appeal by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
On Tuesday, the Electoral Court ruled in favour of former President of the Republic, Jacob Zuma’s appeal against the Independent Electoral Commission’s decion to bar him from standing for elections.
[Media Statement]
Electoral Commission approaches the Constitutional Court for Clarity on Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/nMsyg82ghB
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) April 12, 2024
‘SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE MATTER’
“The Commission believes there is substantial public interest in providing certainty on the proper interpretation of section 47(1)(e) and its interplay with the powers of the Commission to adjudicate objections to candidates.,” the Commission said.
“Such clarity is important in the present matter because of a live issue but also for future elections. It is furthermore important that such legal clarification is obtained from the highest court in the land which has constitutional-matter jurisdiction. Hence, a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court,” it further stated.
TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS – SAYS IEC
The Commission said the appeal was not intended to involve itself in the political field of play, but rather to ensure free and fair elections.
“We therefore wish for the matter to be determined before the date of the election,” it said in a statement.
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