The South African electoral commission has declined a request to oust former President Jacob Zuma as the head of the newly established Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
The commission’s decision came in response to a letter from MK founder Jabulani Khumalo, urging the removal of Mr. Zuma as the party’s figurehead and from its parliamentary candidate roster.
Mr. Khumalo, recently expelled from the party, alleged that Mr. Zuma fraudulently assumed the leadership position within the new party.
He also wrote to Mr. Zuma, placing him under precautionary suspension for what he deemed “multiple acts of misconduct.”
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) clarified that it refrains from intervening in political parties’ internal affairs. It confirmed Mr. Zuma’s status as a registered leader of the MK party.
“The commission operates solely upon the direction of the party’s registered leader,” the electoral agency stated, reiterating that Mr. Zuma has retained his leadership role within the MK party since last month.
Despite facing opposition, the 82-year-old has persistently defended his position and that of his new party, gearing up to participate in the upcoming general election on May 29.
This Friday, the Constitutional Court will hear an appeal by the IEC concerning Mr. Zuma’s disqualification from contesting a parliamentary seat.
Earlier in March, the electoral commission’s bid to exclude him due to a contempt of court conviction was unsuccessful.
