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Zuma wins ANC leadership election

Mr Zuma is now the frontrunner to be the nation's president

Jacob Zuma has defeated South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki to win the leadership of the country's ruling ANC.

Mr Zuma won the votes of more than 60% of the delegates at the leadership conference to claim victory.

The result follows two days of bitter debate, during which President Mbeki was heckled by supporters of Mr Zuma.

Correspondents say that Mr Zuma will now become the frontrunner to take over as president when Mr Mbeki is obliged to stand down in 2009.

The vote was delayed for two days because of procedural disputes.

LEADERSHIP RIVALS Thabo Mbeki, 65 Succeeded Nelson Mandela as president in 1999 Presided over economic growth Accused of not doing enough to reduce poverty Won bid to host 2010 football World Cup Seen as aloof From Xhosa ethnic group Jacob Zuma, 65 Played key role in fight against apartheid Plagued by corruption allegations Backed by trade unions, Communist Party Seen as charismatic From Zulu ethnic group Mbeki: Born into struggle Zuma: Comeback kid Vote in pictures

Although Mr Zuma is likely to become the next national president he could still face corruption charges in connection with a multi-million dollar arms deal.

Almost 4,000 ANC members began queuing early on Tuesday to cast their votes for the leadership.

Mr Mbeki arrived to cast his vote shortly after lunch. Asked how his campaign was going, he replied: "So far so good".

The single polling station opened two hours late after a delay with the printing of ballot papers.

Correspondents say it has been the most divisive contest in the long history of the ANC - for some this is a sign of a healthy democracy in action while others fear the split in the ANC could spell trouble for South Africa.

Delegates were warned to behave or face disciplinary action on Monday after rival supporters tried to out-sing each other amid chaotic scenes.

Zuma supporters sang the anti-apartheid song Bring Me My Machine-gun, during pro-Mbeki speeches while Mbeki supporters retorted by singing Mbeki, My President.

Mr Mbeki had been booed and heckled during his opening speech on Sunday.

'Politically motivated'

This is the ANC's first leadership contest in 58 years.

South African viewpoints In pictures

In an address lasting nearly three hours on Sunday, Mr Mbeki did not mention Mr Zuma by name but stressed the need for "ethical leadership".

Mr Mbeki said claims by the Zuma camp that he had centralised power were false. Growing unpopularity with Mr Mbeki's style of leadership made Mr Zuma favourite to win.

Mr Zuma's supporters believe he will do more to reduce poverty in South Africa.

Once close allies, Mr Zuma and Mr Mbeki publicly fell out in 2005 when Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy president over corruption allegations.

The case against Mr Zuma was thrown out by a judge last year. He was also acquitted of rape charges - which he said were politically motivated.

HAVE YOUR SAY The rise of Zuma is rooted in popular despair Southeaster, UK/exSA Send us your comments

Mr Zuma provoked outrage among Aids activists over the case when he said he had showered after sex with the HIV-positive woman to prevent infection.

Former President Nelson Mandela has said he is saddened by "the nature of the differences currently in the organisation".

The former Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, has said neither Mr Zuma or Mr Mbeki were suitable candidates.

BBC News Tuesday, 18 December 2007, 19:12 GMT