ANC LEADERSHIP CONTEST KICKS OFF!

The contest between Mr Mbeki and his ANC deputy is intense. South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki and his former deputy Jacob Zuma have both formally confirmed their bids to lead the governing party.
Mr Zuma is favourite to win the African National Congress leadership elections later this month even though he is being probed on corruption charges.
If Mr Zuma wins he is likely to become South Africa's next president in 2009.
Meanwhile, Mr Mbeki has said he is not ruling out an early national election if he loses the ANC presidency.
In an interview in South Africa's Sunday Independent newspaper, Mr Mbeki said an election was possible, but the decision lay with the ANC.
Mr Mbeki has already served two terms and cannot lead the country again, but if he remained ANC leader he would be in a good position to decide who succeeded him as national leader.
Uncharted territory
By filing his nomination papers, Mr Mbeki has formally launches the election contest between himself and Mr Zuma.

JACOB ZUMA
Top figure in fight against apartheid
Seen as less business-friendly than Mbeki
Sacked as deputy president in 2005
Corruption trial stopped
Acquitted on rape charges

The BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg says the contest is uncharted territory for the ANC, which has not had a leadership contest for more than 50 years.
While business supports Mr Mbeki, Mr Zuma has the backing of the left and the trade union movement.
Mr Zuma filed his nomination papers from London, where he has been on a private visit.
He has been touring foreign capitals to assure investors that there will be no significant change in policy if he wins.

BBC NEWS REPORT.