By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that Jacob Zuma is now officially the leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party and his face will be on the ballot paper for the 29 May elections.
The IEC said the leader of the MK party was initially listed as Jabulani Khumalo, the man who registered the party at the IEC last year, but MK party leaders have recently changed their paperwork.
Jacob Zuma, the leader of the ANC breakaway group, is its presidential candidate.
The IEC confirmed this despite having approached the Constitutional Court to appeal a decision of the Electoral Court to approve Zuma’s candidacy despite his criminal record.
Masego Sheburi, the IEC deputy CEO for electoral operations, said: “Following the decision of the Electoral Court we have reinstated Mr Zuma, but have approached the Apex Court.”
He said in terms of IEC policy, the photograph on the ballot paper must be that of the party leader as registered in the commission’s records.
“The Umkhonto Wesizwe party has changed and amended its leadership to indicate president Jacob Zuma as its leader,” said Sheburi.
“On this basis, his photograph will appear among the cluster of identifiers of MK, a party on the ballot paper.”
Previously, Zuma said he would remain a member of the ANC but would merely help the MK’s campaign and vote for it.
The IEC also confirmed that the face of IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa will be on the ballot paper and not the face of the late party founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Meanwhile, the IEC is inviting voters who will not be near their voting stations on 29 May to apply to be allowed to vote on 27 May during the special voting day.
These include people who are sick, bedridden or who will be away from their voting districts because of work commitments.
Thousands of IEC staff, police, soldiers, journalists, health workers and other emergency workers may qualify for special votes.
At least 52 parties will be on the national ballot while a total of 70 parties will contest the 887 seats available in the national and provincial legislatures.
Pictured above: IEC media briefing.
Image source: X
