Former South African leader Zuma threatens legal action over allegations of election irregularities

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former President Jacob Zuma on Saturday threatened to take legal action to try to stop South Africa's election results from being announced as scheduled on Sunday, demanding that allegations of electoral fraud made by his party be considered first.

Zuma spoke after his party announced it was seeking to hold the election again, saying it had submitted evidence to the Independent Electoral Commission to prove its allegations of widespread irregularities.

Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe party has become the third largest political party, with 99% of votes counted in South Africa's hotly contested elections. The ruling African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since coming to power after the end of apartheid in 1994.

Zuma did not elaborate on the details and nature of the election fraud allegations, but his party officials said they included allegations that the electoral body's computer system was tampered with during glitches. techniques Saturday.

“We're going to need time. No one has to declare tomorrow, no. If that happens, people will provoke us because we know what they are doing,” Zuma said.

“We’re not guessing, we know. And why should they rush? I hope whoever is in charge hears what we’re saying.”

He said authorities should give political parties the opportunity to present their arguments regarding electoral irregularities.

In response to the allegations, the electoral body said it had received a total of 579 objections from voters and political parties. He said he would address all complaints and was ready to declare official election results on Sunday as scheduled.