Mass enthusiasm for politics may be dead in Europe, but election rallies in South Africa have the dynamism of rock concerts and the verve of evangelical services. When the African National Congress held its final tumultuous gathering before tomorrow's general election, a football stadium in Johannesburg with a capacity of 60,000 proved inadequate for the task, and an overflow venue with another 37,000 seats had to be pressed into service. At the rally's climax, almost 100,000 people rose as one and sang their favourite number, Bring Me My Machine Gun.

Jacob Zuma, who will soon be South Africa's president, seized a microphone and led the packed terraces in belting out the anthem, which he composed himself during the anti-apartheid struggle. Then came a unique dance, again of his...