Zuma expected to win South African elections

The ANC - the party of liberation in South Africa - dominates the political system today so whoever is the ANC leader is also the leader of South Africa. In this particular case the ANC leader is Jacob Zuma so the public elections are almost an afterthought. Zuma will be taking over following a long run by Thabo Mbeki who has been in office since 1999. Mbeki was best known in the West because of his bizarre attitudes towards AIDS in a country where HIV/AIDS impacts millions. Zuma's name came to prominence a few years ago during a rape trial (he was acquitted) that involved a woman who was HIV positive. Despite being a supposed leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Zuma did not use protection. Later, he was charged with corruption though charges were dropped and most believe it was a politically motivated attack from his foe Mbeki.

Politically, Zuma is expected to be more of a leftist and populist than Mbeki though he's also pragmatic. Where Zuma will lead South Africa is anyone's guess, which is the modern story of South Africa.

The man widely expected to be South Africa's next president is looking beyond Wednesday's parliamentary elections, eager to set up a new government that he says will be responsive to the black majority's hopes for better lives.

Jacob Zuma's African National Congress party is expecting an overwhelming victory in the elections, which has generated an excitement not seen since the country's first multiracial vote in 1994.

Parliament elects South Africa's president, putting ANC leader Zuma in line for the post when the new assembly votes in May.

One common story that will be repeated is South Africa being a one party country. With around 70% of parliament coming from the ANC, it's easy to see that side of the argument. That said, the ANC is a relatively diverse party that for most represents liberation from apartheid. Inside the party there are many wings as the recent Mbeki-Zuma struggle showed. Being the party leader does not always mean easy acceptance of any programs. Look at the Democrats with the Blue Dog Democrats and how difficult it is even within the party to promote liberal policies. South Africa could benefit from more political diversity, but it's not quite as bad as some suggest.