Mbeki officially in the race

2007-12-03 17:29

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki has officially accepted nomination as ANC president, the party said on Monday.

Mbeki signed the nomination form earlier in the day, ANC spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso confirmed.

If re-elected at the ANC's national conference scheduled for Polokwane in two weeks' time, it will be Mbeki's third term of office as party president.

Mbeki's only opponent for the position so far is ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma.

However, late nominations can be made from the floor at the conference.

Zuma also confirmed his official nomination earlier on Monday.

"He has signed the form," aide Ranjeni Munusamy said.

"It was faxed from London to the ANC electoral commission."

She said Zuma had been in London at the weekend on a "private visit", meeting various people - including members of the business community - and was now in the United States.

Last week Zuma was nominated for the presidency by five of the party's provincial structures and by the ANC Youth and Women's Leagues. Mbeki was nominated to serve a third term by four provinces.

Individuals who have been nominated are expected to indicate in writing to the ANC's electoral commission whether they accept or decline.

The commission will report back to the structures that made the nominations, and eventually to the ANC national executive.

- SAPA