Zuma submits application to ConCourt for recusal of six judges

JOHANNESBURG - Former president Jacob Zuma wants six Constitutional Court judges to recuse themselves from his legal battle with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), citing potential bias.

This comes after the IEC took to the apex court to challenge Zuma’s candidacy in the May 29 elections.

Last month – the Electoral Court ruled that Zuma could run for public office, overturning the IEC’s decision to disqualify him from serving as a member of Parliament.

The uMkhonto weSizwe leader, Zuma, has filed a counter application to the Constitutional Court.

Zuma says he and the party have reasonable apprehension that a minimum of six justices of the Constitutional Court are not fit to adjudicate the matter between him and the IEC.

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They include justices Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Steven Majiedt, Nonkosi Mhlantla, Leona Theron and Zukisa Tshiqi.

Zuma says there’s a conflict of interest because they were a part of the bench that convicted him and sentenced him to 15 months for contempt of court, for failing to appear before the state capture commission.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is listed as the sixth to recuse himself – even though Zuma admits Zondo publicly announced he wouldn’t sit in cases involving Zuma.

The court needs a quorum of 8 from its 11 judges to preside over a matter.

This means - if recused – the Constitutional Court can’t decide on the merits of the case on 10 May, almost three weeks before the elections.