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.
The immediate task facing him will be to repair the damage done to the ANC by this divisive campaign and the theatrical clash of personalities involved. It had several overlapping lines of cleavage. By standing again as ANC president Mr Mbeki hoped to perpetuate his political influence when he leaves office. He was vigorously supported by many of the more educated state and political elites within the ANC, who remained confident of victory until the voting. This defeat is a major blow to their prestige, threatening to make Mr Mbeki a lame duck president and introduce two centres of power during the transition. Mr Zuma's supporters come from the base of the movement among trade unionists and Communist Party members impatient with the lack of progress in tackling deepening inequalities and social malaise.
ANC political veterans have been greatly dismayed by the rowdy indignity of this congress, amid suspicions that Mr Zuma is venal and prone to corruption. His victory will spark debate on whether such a broad alliance as the ANC should survive intact so long after its foundational task of opposing and abolishing apartheid has been accomplished. South Africa's democracy might be better served by a more competitive party system.