Zuma to run for ANC leadership

Zuma to run for ANC leadership

ANC DEPUTY President Jacob Zuma has officially accepted the nomination to run for the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, national broadcaster SABC said on Monday.

Zuma has taken the lead in the leadership race against President Thabo Mbeki, who said at the weekend he did not rule out an early parliamentary election if he lost his position at the helm of the ANC at a party conference on December 16-20.

"(Zuma) is now officially running for the presidency of the party. He has accepted his nomination for the position by signing the nomination form," SABC said, citing unnamed sources.

It said Zuma signed the document in London, where he is on a private visit.

ANC officials were not immediately reachable for comment on Monday.

If Zuma wins the December 16-20 contest, he is almost certain to become South Africa's next president in elections due in 2009.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent newspaper, Mbeki rejected suggestions that he would be a lame duck president if Zuma won the ANC contest, saying current ANC policies would continue.

Analysts say Mbeki, who is barred by South Africa's constitution from a third term as state president, wants to remain head of the ANC to influence the country's politics and help pick his successor.

The analysts say investors are worried that Zuma's close links with left-leaning unions could steer him away from market-friendly policies. - Reuters
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