South Africa’s ruling ANC misses out on court bid to stop Zuma’s MK party

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has failed in a judicial attempt to prevent a newly established party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, from participating in the May general election.

The party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), draws its name from the now-disbanded armed wing of the ANC, which existed during the apartheid regime.

Mr Zuma’s backing for the MK is expected to have an impact on the ANC’s support.

The electoral court rejected the ANC’s claim that the party did not meet the statutory registration criteria.

Reacting to the judgment, the governing ANC said it accepts the decision and will abide by it.

The party added that it was not opposed to Mr Zuma’s MK being on the ballot as long as it was duly registered by the electoral commission.

The former president is not the founder of the MK party but pledges support for it ahead of the election, which may draw away supporters from the ruling ANC.

General elections will be held in South Africa on May 29, 2024, to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislature in each province.

This will be the seventh general election held under the conditions of universal adult suffrage since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.