Jacob Zuma, who resigned as South Africa’s president in shame in 2018, is now making a major comeback by running in the upcoming parliamentary elections with a new opposition party at the top of its ticket — the spot designated for a party’s presidential candidate.
Mr. Zuma’s decision to join the race is a setback for the faltering African National Congress — the party he once led — which has been in power since the end of apartheid three decades ago. The A.N.C. and its current leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, are struggling to regain the trust of voters disillusioned by a stagnant economy and years of corruption.
Despite serving time in prison for refusing to testify in a corruption inquiry, Mr. Zuma, 81, was cleared by a court to be on the ballot. His party, uMkhonto weSizwe, has gained momentum since its formation in December, climbing in the polls, making progress in local elections, and winning legal battles to contest the May 29 election.
If MK performs well in the parliamentary elections, Mr. Zuma will secure a seat in Parliament, where the new lawmakers will elect the next president of the country. As a member of Parliament, Mr. Zuma could potentially become president or play a crucial role if the A.N.C. fails to win enough seats to form a government.
Bheki Mngomezulu, director for the Center for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University, stated, “The victory of the MK marks disaster for the A.N.C.”
The Independent Electoral Commission, which initially barred Mr. Zuma from running, has three days to challenge the recent ruling allowing his candidacy. Analysts caution that a last-minute court challenge could harm the commission’s reputation and work in Mr. Zuma’s favor.
Despite legal challenges, Mr. Zuma’s new party continues to gain support. The party believes that the ongoing court battles, including a lengthy corruption trial, will not deter voters.
Lebogang Moepeng, the party’s treasurer general, expressed confidence in the party’s growing membership, showing support beyond Mr. Zuma’s traditional stronghold in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The increasing support for MK poses a threat to the country’s traditional opposition parties. Many South Africans still view Mr. Zuma as the A.N.C. leader closest to the people, according to political analyst Mr. Mngomezulu.
In Kwa-Zulu Natal, where Mr. Zuma’s face has appeared on campaign posters, the A.N.C. maintains that his presence on the ballot does not impact the party.
Nhlakanipho Ntombela, who leads the party’s campaign efforts in the province, stated that while the A.N.C.’s membership grew during Mr. Zuma’s presidency, its support declined over time.
