A new standoff has emerged between South African President Jacob Zuma and several key officials in his coalition ahead of the country's critical municipal elections. While the ruling Tripartite Alliance is no stranger to factional disputes, tension between Zuma's allies and enemies has never been higher. Amid rumblings of discontent, the president's rivals have begun to shift their support to various candidates who could someday replace him. Though no clear successor has emerged yet, it is a distinct possibility that Zuma could be booted from office before his final term ends in 2019, even by his own party, the African National Congress (ANC). For now, the ANC has the grassroots and ethnic support base to retain its electoral standing. But as the economic, political and social troubles that have plagued South Africa for that past five years persist, the party will likely see its stranglehold on South African politics weaken....
