JOHANNESBURG — Officials say South African President Jacob Zuma has won an election to remain the head of the governing African National Congress (ANC) political party.

The announcement came Tuesday at the ANC's Mangaung conference, being held in the city also known as Bloemfontein.

Zuma faced a challenge from Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. The 70-year-old Zuma had been considered the favorite to win over his deputy, despite being trailed by corruption allegations.

Some 4,000 delegates voted in the ANC's leadership contest early Tuesday morning.

Whoever the party picks will likely be the next president of this nation of 50 million people, as opposition parties lack the support the ANC enjoys in South Africa.