The South African Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declined on Tuesday a petition to oust former President Jacob Zuma from his position as the head of the recently established Umkhonto weSizwe party.
"The Commission reiterates its stance that it does not involve itself in internal affairs of political parties. Additionally, the Commission only acts on instruction of the registered leader of the party. In the present case, Mr. Jacob Zuma is the registered leader of MK Party. This has been so since 10 April 2024," the statement read.
The response was prompted by a letter from MK founder Jabulani Khumalo, who requested the commission remove Zuma as the party's representative and exclude him from the list of possible members of parliament. Khumalo, who was recently expelled from the party, said that Zuma fraudulently occupies the role of head inside the new party.
Zuma's path to running for office has been a rocky one. In late March, the IEC upheld objections for his candidacy for the general election, citing a constitutional clause that bars anybody sentenced to 12 months or more in prison from standing for office within five years.
However, in early April, he successfully appealed the commission's decision to disqualify him from running in the election.
Furthermore, the Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear on Friday an appeal by the IEC regarding the prohibition on Zuma's candidacy for a parliamentary seat, which was announced in March.
South Africa's 2024 national and provincial elections are set for May 29.