South Africa’s Constitutional Court is set to deliver a crucial ruling on Monday that will determine whether former president Jacob Zuma, plagued by corruption allegations, can contest in the upcoming May 29 general election. The decision holds substantial implications for the election outcome, with concerns of potential violent unrest if Zuma is barred from the ballot.
Zuma, who left office in 2018 amid corruption charges and founded the party uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) to challenge the ruling African National Congress (ANC), faces disqualification due to a 2021 conviction. The ANC, which has dominated elections since 1994, is at risk of losing some support in this election due to ongoing corruption scandals and rising crime and unemployment rates in the country.
The court’s ruling will address Zuma’s disqualification, potential coalition negotiations, and the risk of unrest if he is excluded. The outcome could shape the political landscape and could potentially impact the ANC’s ability to secure a majority in the upcoming election.