Twin blows for Zuma as ambition to contest elections blocked, on top of SCA flop

Former president Jacob Zuma faced two major setbacks on Thursday when he was ruled out of the 2024 general elections and when he suffered his sixth legal loss in his bid to privately prosecute advocate Billy Downer and journalist Karyn Maughan. 

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) decided unanimously to block Zuma's bid to contest the elections following an objection that cited his criminal record.

Despite the Constitution clearly disqualifying candidates who have been convicted to more than 12 months in prison without the option of a fine, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has challenged the decision by the IEC in the Electoral Court.