Staff Reporter
In a recent development, former President Jacob Zuma’s eligibility for public office has become the subject of a legal battle, with uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s legal representative, Advocate Dali Mpofu, arguing that declaring Zuma ineligible violates his rights.
Mpofu, who is representing the party in the Electoral Court, contends that every adult citizen has the constitutional right to stand for public office.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party is appealing the decision made by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to uphold objections to Zuma’s candidacy for public office.
Advocate Mpofu has expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s treatment towards Zuma, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of both Zuma and the party’s supporters.
“We are dealing with the right to vote for those people who support this party and former President Zuma. Their right to vote would be infringed because they will not have the right to choose to be represented by the people or persons that they want.” He said.
The legal argument put forth by Advocate Mpofu centers on Section 19(3)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of every person, regardless of personal opinions, to stand for political office.
