South African President asked to resign
South Africa's ruling party has called on scandal-hit President Jacob Zuma to resign.
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South African President Jacob Zuma. Photo:Leadership. |
Ace Magashule, Secretary-GeneralThe ruling African National Congress (ANC) said the party's national executive committee had just decided to "remove" Mr Zuma, according toWashington PostIf he refuses the party's directive, the matter could go to parliament for a vote of no confidence.
The decision was taken after lengthy discussions by the ANC's top leadership. "We are giving him time and space to respond. We have not given him a deadline to respond," Magashule said. But he was "sure" Mr Zuma would respond tomorrow.
Mr Magashule said the party wanted Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed Mr Zuma.Mr Zuma, 75, has agreed to step down, but not within the next three to six months. He has been in power since 2009 and has faced multiple corruption allegations.
The ANC can "remove" the head of state, but the process is a party directive and he is under no constitutional obligation to comply.