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Zuma Allowed Into S.A’s Presidential Race
South Africa’s electoral court Tuesday, April 9 2024 cleared former President Jacob Zuma to participate in the upcoming general elections in May, reversing an earlier decision by the electoral commission to disqualify him due to a contempt of court conviction. This ruling is pivotal as it overruled the commission’s interpretation that the constitution bars individuals sentenced to more than a year in prison from holding public office.
At 81, Zuma remains a central figure in South African politics, notably through his association with the newly established uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. This party draws its name from the African National Congress’s (ANC) former military wing, symbolizing a return to the revolutionary ethos that leaders like Nelson Mandela epitomized. Zuma’s presidency, which spanned from 2009 to 2018, ended amid serious corruption allegations, leading to his resignation. His legal troubles continued, culminating in a 15-month jail sentence in 2021 for his refusal to participate in a corruption probe, although he was released after three months on health grounds.
This court decision not only reinstates his eligibility but also positions him as the MK party’s front-runner in the election. South Africa’s electoral system does not involve direct voting for president but rather for the National Assembly, whose majority party then selects the national leader. This system could see Zuma leading the country again if the MK secures enough seats, although the party could choose another candidate.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Zuma’s political rehabilitation, posing a significant challenge to the ANC. Having dominated South African politics since the advent of democracy in 1994, the ANC now confronts a fierce electoral battle, with some polls suggesting its vote share might dip below 50% for the first time. This scenario underscores a shifting political landscape and the possible end of the ANC’s longstanding supremacy.
Comoros Prison Break Exposes Security Lapses
In a brazen escape, dozens of prisoners walked out of the main gate of Moroni Prison, the capital’s largest jail, early on Thursday morning. Authorities are blaming negligent security guards for the incident, while an investigation is underway to determine if the escape was pre-planned.
Public Prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid believes a soldier jailed for the death of a football fan during a World Cup qualifier may have orchestrated the breakout.
“The escape was instigated by the soldier who fired the shots at the Malouzini football stadium in Moroni,” Djounaid is quoted as saying by AFP.
The facility, designed for less than 100 inmates, currently houses over 200, and this isn’t the first time a breakout has occurred. In 2020, over 60 prisoners escaped in two separate incidents.
Comoros Infos, a local news website, reported that “insider collusion” may have played a role in the escape.
Authorities are searching for the escaped prisoners and have launched a full investigation. The incident raises serious questions about prison security measures in the Comoros and underscores the need for improvements to prevent future breakouts.
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