The African National Congress (ANC), the party of Nelson Mandela which has been in charge in South Africa since the 1994 election, is facing its stiffest challenge in years. Story highlights Some believe Zuma may be a liability for the ANCThe Democratic Alliance says ANC has turned its back on what Mandela fought forSoweto, South Africa (CNN) The polls are officially open in South Africa as the country sets to vote in what could be one of its most pivotal elections in years. Though past municipal elections produced a yawn among some South Africans, Wednesday's election has become a crucial test of the ANC's grip on power and a referendum on the country's embattled president, Jacob Zuma. Almost every single local government seat is up for grabs, including urban powerhouses like Johannesburg and tiny municipalities across the country. More than 26 million people are registered to vote, and on Wednesday, they'll cast their ballots in.

Source: CNN August 03, 2016 04:07 UTC