South Africa's Constitutional Court has delivered a major setback to former President Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, just days ahead of the country's pivotal vote. The court ruled that Zuma, who was counting on his popularity in KwaZulu Natal to boost the MK party's chances, cannot run for parliament due to his prior conviction for contempt of court.

Zuma's MK party, named after the armed wing of his former ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), had garnered surprising support in the run-up to the election, consistently polling at 10 percent. This came at the expense of the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters party, led by Julius Malema.

The Electoral Commission had argued that Zuma's 15-month prison sentence in 2021 rendered him ineligible to hold office. The Constitutional Court agreed, stating in its ruling that Zuma's conviction and sentence disqualified him from being a member of parliament.

While disappointed by the decision, the MK party remains undeterred. According to a statement released by the party, they view the ruling as unsurprising and believe it will strengthen their campaign. MK supporters outside the Constitutional Court echoed this sentiment, expressing resilience in the face of the decision.

Zuma's decision to join the MK party last year shocked the ANC, the party he had been associated with throughout his political career. As president for two terms, from 2009 to 2018, Zuma's administration was plagued by corruption allegations, eventually leading to his resignation.

The former president's sentencing in 2021 resulted in widespread unrest, with riots and looting occurring in KwaZulu Natal, resulting in over 300 deaths. Nonetheless, President Cyril Ramaphosa of the ANC dismissed concerns about further violence, emphasizing South Africa's commitment to the rule of law and the readiness of security forces to maintain peace.

Despite the setback for Zuma and his MK party, the ANC is still expected to emerge victorious in the upcoming election. Analysts perceive this vote as highly consequential, potentially marking the first time the ANC secures less than 50 percent of the vote since the end of apartheid three decades ago.