The Congress of the People (Cope) on Sunday said it was not intimidated by the ruling party's mass campaign in Bloemfontein.

"We don't care. They can continue," Cope spokesman Phillip Dexter said.

ANC president Jacob Zuma was expected to address people at a rally at Bloemfontein's Seiso Ramabodu stadium on Tuesday.

Dexter said this rally did not bother Cope and that this weekend Cope would name their leadership for the 2009 election and beyond.

Hundreds of delegates and media converged at the University of the Free State (UFS) in anticipation of the conference.

Wearing brightly coloured yellow t-shirts reading "A new Hope for Change", Cope delegates were seen singing and dancing on the institution premises.

Journalists and photographers from around the world were also busy setting up equipment.

The atmosphere seemed celebratory and the growing crowd did not seem to mind the hot weather.

No reports of intimidation or violence

Cope secretary-general Charlotte Lobe said 3400 people had registered for the conference. "It is going very well."

Free State police spokesman Superintendent Motantsi Makhele told Sapa there had been no reports of intimidation or violence.

"We hope it will continue to run smoothly."

He said dozens of officers were deployed to strategic points of the institution to ensure a "safe" event.

Nomonde Mahajana, a delegate from the North West, said she wanted a party that would "do for the people" and not make false promises.

"We are tired of the ANC. We want change and protection. The ANC just makes money and they don't protect our people."

Esme Moetsi, a councillor from Kimberley, said she defected to Cope because "the ANC works for the ANC and not the people".

She said she worked for the ANC for five years and was never paid.

Sapa