Regarding the May 29 elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that Jacob Zuma is the official leader of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party. This is an important revelation.
Jabulani Khumalo was initially named as the party’s leader, but more recent changes to the documentation have established Zuma as the front-runner for the presidency.
Zuma’s candidacy has been accepted despite legal obstacles, including an appeal by the IEC to the Constitutional Court, allowing his image to appear on the voting paper.
The IEC’s deputy CEO for electoral operations, Masego Sheburi, stressed that the body adheres to tight regulations and that the registered party leader’s portrait must match the one on the vote paper.
“The Umkhonto Wesizwe party has modified and updated its leadership to designate President Jacob Zuma as its leader,” Sheburi declared, restating the choice to have Zuma’s picture among the MK party’s symbols on the voting paper.
Zuma, who had previously declared his support for the African National Congress (ANC), is now totally dedicated to spearheading the MK party’s campaign and is the party’s presidential candidate.
In a related event, the IEC made it clear that Velenkosini Hlabisa, the leader of the IFP, will be shown on the vote paper rather than Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the late party founder.
Additionally, the IEC is inviting voters who are unable to visit their polling places on May 29 to apply for special voting on May 27 as part of its inclusive voting processes.
This clause takes care of people who are sick, confined to their beds, or whose jobs require them to go outside of their voting districts.
Notably, special votes may be granted to a wide range of professionals, including as emergency responders, journalists, security guards, IEC employees, and healthcare providers.
The 2019 elections promise a lively political landscape, with a total of 70 parties vying for the 887 seats across national and provincial legislatures, in addition to 52 parties competing on the national ballot.
