A member of South Africa's ruling ANC has initiated a legal action to delay the party's upcoming conference due to disputes over leadership and violations of the bill of rights. The internal conflict between supporters of President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy Jacob Zuma prior to the Dec 16-20 ANC conference has caused significant divisions within the historically disciplined and unified party. Lawyer and ANC member Votani Majola is seeking an injunction at the Johannesburg High Court to halt the conference, claiming that the current environment is not conducive for holding the event. ANC Secretary-General Kgalema Motlanthe has confirmed that the party has been served with legal papers regarding allegations of rights violations. The article did not provide any specifics, and Motlanthe and ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama could not be reached for comment on Thursday. Zuma is currently ahead of Mbeki in the competition for ANC leader, which could pave the way for him to become president in 2009, considering the ANC's strong influence in South African politics. Investors are concerned about Zuma's connections to the left, but a senior aide to Mbeki stated on Wednesday that the country's economic strategies are unlikely to see significant changes regardless of the election outcome. The aide also downplayed concerns about potential instability if Zuma wins.