South African police are investigating alleged signature forgery by Jacob Zuma’s MK Party for national election registration ahead of the May 29 elections. The party has faced legal challenges related to its eligibility to contest the elections, including a rejection of its registration last year by the Independent Electoral Commission. Zuma, who was ruled ineligible to stand as a candidate due to a criminal conviction for contempt of court, successfully appealed the decision, with a final Constitutional Court ruling pending next month.
The new investigation into the MK Party was prompted by a former party official’s claims of an elaborate scheme to forge some of the 15,000 signatures required for parties to register for the elections. The Independent Electoral Commission has called for an investigation, and National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola confirmed that an inquiry had been opened in Cape Town, where the alleged forgery took place. If found guilty of forgery, the MK Party could be disqualified from the elections.
Jacob Zuma’s involvement with the MK Party has caused a stir in South African politics, as he joined as its de facto leader in December with plans to campaign against the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which he previously led from 2007 to 2017. Zuma’s presidency from 2009 to 2018 was marred by allegations of corruption, and he is currently on trial for corruption, facing legal delays that have stalled the case for three years. Since stepping down as president, Zuma has been vocal in his criticism of his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The upcoming national and provincial elections in South Africa are seen as pivotal, with predictions that the ANC could lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. Many polls and analysts suggest that the ANC may need to form a coalition government to retain power, amid growing discontent with the party. Despite his legal troubles, Zuma retains popularity in parts of South Africa, and his MK Party is expected to garner some support, potentially impacting the ANC’s votes if allowed to participate after the forgery allegations.
If the MK Party is found guilty of signature forgery, it is likely to be disqualified from the elections. This development adds to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections in South Africa, where there is a significant shift in political dynamics. The investigation into the alleged forgery highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding Zuma’s continued influence in the country’s political landscape, as well as the broader implications for the ANC and the future of governance in South Africa.
