IEC asks ConCourt to set aside decision to include Zuma and MK party on ballot paper

Johnathan Paoli

THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has approached the Constitutional Court for an urgent application against the Electoral Court’s decision to include former President Jacob Zuma and his MK party on the ballot paper.

Filing their papers on Thursday, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the commission has asked for the Electoral Court’s reasons and will file a supplementary affidavit once they’ve received them.

Moepya said the IEC was “unable to wait for an unknown period” with this being “a pressing matter of national importance that needs to be addressed,” and that if it’s not finalised before the 29 May elections, there’s a real risk of a disputed election outcome.

The commission wants the Constitutional Court to issue an order declaring Zuma not eligible to run for the elections and setting aside the Electoral Court’s order.

Previously, electoral experts have warned of disastrous consequences for the IECs credibility and integrity