The Constitutional Court has granted former president Jacob Zuma and the MK Party until Thursday to submit answering affidavits in response to a matter brought to the court by the Electoral Commission of South Africa.
The IEC appealed to the apex court after the Electoral Court authorized Zuma's participation in next month's general elections. Initially, the IEC had ruled out Zuma's candidacy because of his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
According to the Constitution, individuals convicted and sentenced to more than 12 months in jail are ineligible to stand for elections. However, earlier this month, the Electoral Court overturned the IEC's decision, allowing Zuma to contest.
The reasons for the Electoral Court's decision have not yet been disclosed.
The IEC stated in its application that the appeal aims to ensure free and fair elections and is not intended to interfere with the political landscape.
