Zuma beats rival Mbeki
Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 20:10
Jacob Zuma beats Thabo Mbeki to the ANC leadership
South
African president Thabo Mbeki has been defeated by rival Jacob Zuma in the African National Congress' (ANC) leadership election.
Mr Mbeki received 1,505 votes to Mr Zuma's 2,329 in the poll of party delegates at the close of the ANC's five-day conference in Polokwane.
Delegates reacted to news of the vote with prolonged cheering and singing, continuing the general mood of celebration at the conference during voting.
Today's result means Mr Zuma is likely to succeed Mr Mbeki as South African president in 2009, when the latter is barred from standing again under constitutional restrictions.
Had Mr Mbeki won the ANC leadership again he would have been in a strong position to pick his successor.
Some commentators say Mr Zuma's election could prove divisive for South Africa as the former vice president has been a focal point for opposition to Mr Mbeki since he was sacked in 2005.
Mr Zuma has been attacked by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many retain doubts about his candidacy. He faces ongoing corruption allegations and last year was acquitted of rape charges.
The ANC party has been ruling South Africa since the end of Apartheid in 1994.