South Africa's highest court has ruled that former President Jacob Zuma is ineligible to stand for Parliament due to a past criminal conviction, a decision that could further disrupt the country's political climate ahead of crucial national elections. The Constitutional Court's ruling overturned a previous decision and concluded that Zuma cannot participate in the upcoming election. Zuma's attempt at a political comeback poses a significant challenge to South Africa's evolving democracy, as he hoped to lead an opposition party in the election. This move has prompted widespread attention and concern in a landscape already unsettled by a record number of 52 parties vying for votes on the national ballot. Despite his resignation from the presidency in 2018, Zuma remains a popular and influential figure in South African politics, with his presence continuing to affect the country's political dynamics.