By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Electoral Court has dismissed five cases brought by political parties who appealed their exclusion from contesting the upcoming elections.
The decision by the Electoral Court on Friday cleared the path for the IEC to begin with the printing of ballot papers.
The applications were lodged by Operation Dudula, Arise South Africa, Cape Independence Party, Defenders of the People and the Independent South Africa National Civic Organisation (ISANCO).
Isanco, is part of the Democratic Alliance-led multiparty charter for South Africa.
Operation Dudula and Arise SA failed to get onto the national ballot, but they will be on the provincial ballots.
In a statement, the IEC said the parties did not meet the requirements needed for candidate nominations.
“The Electoral Commission appreciates the hard work of the Electoral Court for bringing these matters to finality. These applications had immense implications for the production of the ballot papers for the forthcoming elections.”
South Africans head to the polls on the 29th of May.
The ruling comes after the Electoral Court ruled in uMkhonto weSizwe Party leader Jacob Zuma’s favour last week.
Zuma took the IEC to court to appeal its decision to bar him from contesting a seat in Parliament.
On Monday, the Durban High Court is expected to make a ruling on the logo and trademark of Umkhonto Wesizwe which could potentially lead to the MK Party having to change its name and emblem.