South Africa's top court began hearing legal arguments on Friday on whether ex-president Jacob Zuma can run for parliament, a case whose outcome will affect a wide open national election on May 29 and could cause security problems if he loses.

S outh Africa's top court is hearing a challenge to the decision to allow former President Jacob Zuma to contest this month's elections. The electoral body originally barred Mr Zuma because of his conviction for contempt of court.

South Africa's top court will hear an appeal on Friday to have former president Jacob Zuma declared ineligible in a politically charged legal showdown set to raise tensions before the tightest election in decades.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is unlikely to become the country’s next president after the May 29 election — but he may decide who will.

Johannesburg: South Africa s top court heard an appeal on Friday to have former president Jacob Zuma declared ineligible to stand for parliament, a