IEC: Zuma now face of MK party on ballot
The Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed that former president Jacob Zuma will replace MK party founder Jabulani Khumalo as the party's face on the ballot.
The commission's deputy CEO, Masego Sheburi, confirmed the development during a media briefing on Tuesday.
"The face of the party on the ballot paper concerning the MK Party will be that of Jacob Zuma.
“The party has given us a notice that it has changed its leadership structure. Mr Khumalo is no longer the party leader. Mr Zuma is the party leader," said Sheburi.
He also confirmed that the commission's appeal at the Constitutional Court does not affect the printing of the ballot as Zuma will remain the official face of MK ahead of the May 29 elections.
The commission approached the Constitutional Court to clarify the Electoral Court's decision to allow former president Jacob Zuma back on the ballot.
Zuma was disqualified due to his previous conviction in 2021, in which he was sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment for failing to appear before the Zondo Commission.
The IEC's decision was based on section 47 of the Constitution, which stipulates that a candidate cannot be elected to Parliament or legislature if they have been convicted of a crime and sentenced without an option for a fine.
The IEC is now seeking clarity on the interpretation by the Constitutional Court.
The commission assured that the outcome of the case would not have any bearing on the ballot.
Sheburi said the photograph of the party's registered leader is one of the ballot identifiers.
The other identifiers include the full registered name of the party, the photograph of the registered party leader, the registered abbreviated name of the party, and the registered emblem or symbol of the party.
With respect to independent candidates, the ballot papers will have the name of the independent, the photograph bearing the face of the independent, and the word INDEPENDENT.
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