afrol News, 6 May - The leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, Jacob Zuma has been elected the fourth president of the country, after the Members of Parliament in the National Assembly voted today.

Mr Zuma received 277 votes, of the 327 votes cast, while Congress of the People's (Cope) Mvume Dandala received 47 votes and a total of 3 ballot papers were spoilt.

Members of Parliament, who were also sworn in earlier today, had voted in a secret ballot, in a process overseen by the Chief Justice Pius Langa

Mr Zuma 67, will be inaugurated as president on Saturday in Pretoria, where a number of Africa leaders as well as international leaders are expected to attend.

The ruling ANC won a 65.9 majority in the national election held last month, failing to get the two-thirds majority it had enjoyed since South Africa dismantled apartheid in 1994.

A populist and enjoying most of his support from the poor masses, Mr Zuma is expected to announce his cabinet on Sunday, which political observers in South Africa, already fear it may likely favour the pro-left allies of Mr Zuma.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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