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Jacob Zuma's election as president of the ruling African National Congress was a victory fair and square over his opponent Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's current president. For all his shortcomings, there have been no voices within the ANC saying Mr Zuma rigged the contest. That augurs well for a relatively stable transfer of power after elections in 2009 when Mr Zuma will take over. The ANC remains a disciplined political organisation even though the vehemence and intolerance of this campaign dismayed such notable long-standing leaders as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Kader Asmal.

Mr Zuma was a renowned fighter in the liberation struggle against apartheid and then a leading figure during Mr Mbeki's two presidential terms. In this campaign he drew support from poorer ANC supporters in the shanty towns and factories, appealing to the movement's left wing on an egalitarian programme. Those backing him want to see major industries nationalised and much greater social protection. Mr Zuma has called for initiatives against HIV/Aids and crime, but otherwise says the country's well-established macro-economic policy is determined on a collective basis. However, his sacking from the cabinet in 2005, acquittal in a trial for rape last year, a forthcoming corruption trial and his bizarre views on adultery, polygamy and sexual disease cast a real cloud over his credentials.