Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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November 26, 2007

Zuma Leads Race for ANC Presidency
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A5F4C6:A6F02AD83191E1602087DAAF33C30747F47489ACC27D21EE& Former deputy
president Jacob Zuma wins nearly 2,300 votes compared to 1,400 for
President Thabo Mbeki 





Minister of Defence Terror Lekota (L), President Thabo Mbeki (C) and
African National Congress party Deputy President Jacob Zuma (R) during
party's 95th anniversary (File Photo - 13 Jan 2007)South Africa's
former deputy president, Jacob Zuma, has jumped ahead in the race to
lead the country's ruling African National Congress.

South African media say Zuma won nearly 2,300 votes compared to 1,400
for President Thabo Mbeki in voting by the party's nine provincial
branches Saturday and Sunday.

Official results are expected to be released Monday.

The provincial elections are considered a good indicator of who will
win the ANC presidency at the party's national conference next month.
The ANC's dominance of South African politics makes it likely the
winner will also capture the national presidency.

Mr. Mbeki fired Zuma as deputy president in 2005 after Zuma's
financial adviser was charged with corruption. Zuma was accused of
corruption as well, but the charges were later dropped.

Last year, he was acquitted in an unrelated trial on rape charges.

Despite the charges, Zuma enjoys backing from South African trade
unions who are opposed to the policies of President Mbeki.

Mr. Mbeki is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term as
president but has fought to stay on as party leader and exert
political influence.

In comments published by a South African newspaper Sunday, Zuma said
he is ready to be the next president of South Africa.




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