拉马福萨可能成为南非新总统

African National Congress leader Cyril Ramaphosa is poised to be chosen Thursday by parliament as South Africa's new president.

The chief whip, or vote counter, of the ruling ANC party issued a statement that the country's chief justice will be on hand "to officiate in the election of the new president of South Africa." Ramaphosa is in line to ascend to the South African presidency as ANC president, a post he assumed in December.

The expected election of Ramaphosa comes a day after embattled President Jacob Zuma resigned "with immediate effect."

The 75-year-old Zuma stepped down Wednesday under pressure from ANC party leaders, who decided earlier this week to recall Zuma after nine years in office that have been marred by economic stagnation and numerous allegations of corruption.

The allegations include charges that he allowed the powerful Gupta family to influence cabinet appointments and that he used some $20 million in public funds for improvements at his private estate.

During a 30-minute address to the nation, Zuma said it was "unfair" the ANC had told him to resign.