The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Friday it has approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the Electoral Court’s judgment which saw former President Jacob Zuma win his appeal against the IEC’s decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party parliamentary candidate.

The IEC argued against Zuma’s eligibility to stand as a candidate owing to his 15-month prison sentence for being in contempt of court, in 2021.

The IEC wants the matter of the latest appeal finalised before the May 29 election.

“The Commission believes there is substantial public interest in providing certainty on the proper interpretation of section 47(1)(e) and its interplay with the powers of the Commission to adjudicate objections to candidates. Such clarity is important in the present matter because of a live issue but also for future elections. It is furthermore important that such legal clarification is obtained from the highest court in the land which has constitutional-matter jurisdiction. Hence, a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court,” it explained.

The IEC stressed that its court action did not mean it was trying to become politically involved but rather to ensure that constitutional rules were upheld and understood for a free and fair election.