Ruling Against Zuma Heats Up ANC Rivalry

Thabo Mbeki's campaign to remain South Africa's president got a boost yesterday when the country's top court opened the way for a corruption trial against his archrival, Jacob Zuma. The Independent notes that Zuma has weathered corruption charges twice before—and a trial for rape last year—but this time Mbeki is pushing the national prosecuting authority for a conviction.

South Africa's constitution bars presidents from a third term, but speculation is growing that Mbeki wants to stay on longer. Zuma's supporters insist the president is using the powers of his office to discredit  his chief rival in the African National Congress leadership election next month. The ANC is by far the country's dominant party, and its leader is virtually guaranteed the presidency in 2009's election. (More Thabo Mbeki stories.)