The South African government on Saturday intensified its security here before the ruling African National Congress (ANC)'s national congress.

intensified its security here before the ruling African National Congress (ANC)'s national congress.

The ANC will start the 53rd National Congress on Sunday in Bloemfontein to elect new leadership. "Security has been beefed up for the conference with about 1,000 police being now on duty," said a police official.

Bloemfontein is the capital city of the central province of the Free State and the judicial capital of the nation, with a population of about 400,000.

Many police cars were patrolling with siren ringing on the main streets, and some police units were carrying out tasks at the check points around the conference center.

"We have been on alert around the clock in recent days," a police officer told Xinhua.

A high-ranking police official of the Free State told media on Saturday that "safety and security are a priority amid the prevailing political environment", and that "police are striving to make Bloemfontein a safer place, even preventive measures are now in place to tackle potential troubles."

It was reported that about 4,500 delegates across the country will participate in the congress to elect the new leadership for all important positions, including the president.

The contest for the new party presidency will be possibly held between President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

The ANC is currently in an alliance with the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions in ruling the country.

Given the ANC's electoral dominance in the country, the new ANC president will be possible to become the next president of the country in the elections in 2014.