South African President Zuma given 48 hours ultimatum to resign

NewsBharati 13-Feb-2018

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Pretoria, February 13: South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, who is too much reluctant to reign despite several calls, has been given an ultimatum to step down. Local media reports say, he has been given a 48hours time limit to finally resign. The executive committee of the African National Congress (ANC) is said to have resolved to “recall” Zuma following a marathon 13-hour meeting.

Though Zuma is not under any constitutional obligation to obey the ANC order he could face an embarrassing no-confidence vote in the parliament. Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the ANC, has delivered the order to Zuma to quit within 48 hours or face being stripped of his office.

The decision was taken in an emergency meeting of the highest decision-making body of the African National Congress near Pretoria, the administrative capital, late on Monday evening. The meeting was called after ANC realized the talks between Ramaphosa and Zuma has already failed.

Zuma took the charge of the President in 2009 is faxing mounting pressure on him to resign. His nine-years rule is alleged with a whole lot of corruption leading to a deformed image of ANC as well as a devastating economic crisis in the country.

In December, he was replaced as leader of the ANC by Cyril Ramaphosa, the deputy president. Since then, his position even within the party has weakened. Hence, though he earlier evaded resignation, this time it is quite impossible. Moreover, before next year’s election, ANC reformers want to rebuild the image.

South Africa Jacob Zuma African National Congress Political Crisis South Africa Presidency