South African President Jacob Zuma will remain chairman of the ruling African National Congress party, after delegates at a party conference overwhelmingly supported him in a leadership vote.

Nearly 4,000 delegates voted Tuesday, with three-quarters backing Mr. Zuma to head the party leading up to the country's 2014 presidential election.

The ANC has been in power in South Africa since 1994, and its high level of public support means the president is likely to win the general election.

President Zuma was facing a challenge by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe for the ANC chairmanship.

Motlanthe, who withdrew from the race to be the party's number two, will be replaced by wealthy businessman Cyril Ramaphosa.

Also Tuesday, four white men described as having “right-wing” political beliefs appeared in court on charges of treason and terrorism in connection with what prosecutors say was a plot to kill Mr. Zuma and other leaders.

Authorities said the men who were arrested Sunday were planning to attack the ANC meeting in Bloemfontein.