The wife of a former president seeks higher office ... no, not Hillary Clinton ... this time it is Nelson Mandela's former wife, Winnie. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is running for parliament in South Africa as a candidate for the African National Congress (ANC). [SOURCE]
According to South Africa's constitution, anyone "sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine" is disqualified from parliament until "five years after the sentence has been completed".
After an appeal in July 2004, Ms Madikizela-Mandela received a three-and-a-half year sentence for fraud - which was suspended for five years.
The Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus parties lodged formal objections to Ms Madikizela-Mandela's nomination, arguing that the sentence was still active.
But in a statement, the electoral commission said: "The candidate is not disqualified from standing as a candidate in the election of 22 April 2009. The objection is accordingly dismissed."
How many villagers remember what television show featured a newborn baby named after Winnie Mandela? [Answer]
