ANC Battles New Party in Tense Election Run-Up

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is embroiled in a legal tussle with the independent electoral body and a rival political party led by a former president. This marks a contentious prelude to what could be the nation’s most significant election in three decades.
The ANC alleges that the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation) party, also known as MK, did not meet the registration criteria when it was registered in September. The case, which opened at the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein, could result in the MK, led by ex-president and former ANC leader Jacob Zuma, being deregistered and barred from the May 29 national election.
The MK has stirred the ANC by adopting the name of its now-disbanded military wing, founded by Nelson Mandela. The ANC is contesting the use of the uMkhonto weSizwe name and a logo strikingly similar to its old military wing in a separate copyright infringement case.
Zuma’s decision to back the MK has added fuel to the rivalry. The parties have exchanged barbs over the past few months. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula labeled Zuma as “the most destructive person” for South Africa’s democratic progression and referred to officials in the new party as his “chihuahuas.”
Zuma, who was compelled to resign as South Africa’s leader in 2018 amid corruption allegations, is currently on trial for graft. He has been highly critical of the ANC under his successor, current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zuma was suspended from the ANC after publicly supporting the MK.
The ANC has governed South Africa for 30 years since the end of the apartheid system of racial segregation in 1994. However, it is expected to face its sternest test in this year’s vote. Despite the current tensions, the hope remains that this election will mark a new chapter in South Africa’s vibrant democracy.
Source: AP News