Jacob Zuma remains the presidential candidate for the ANC despite a court ruling reversing a decision to dismiss corruption charges against him, the party said Monday.

"The judgment will not affect the decision of the ANC that Zuma be the ANC's presidential candidate for the 2009 elections," the African National Congress said in a statement.

While the ANC respects the decision of the court "without reservation," the party and Zuma "reserve the right to pursue all options available in law," it added.

The ANC said "it is important to note that this judgement has nothing to do with the guilt or otherwise of the ANC president. Nor does it make any pronouncements on the merits of the charges previously brought."

Labour federation Cosatu, an ally of the ruling party, also threw its support behind Zuma.

"We are mobilising our members behind the ANC under the leadership of Jacob Zuma to ensure another landslide election victory," it said in a statement.

Cosatu said it believed Zuma could not "have a fair trial given the long delays and the trial by media."

"Cosatu remains convinced that the whole prosecution process has been politically motivated and will continue to demand the dropping of all charges."

The Supreme Court of Appeal on Monday reversed an earlier decision to dismiss corruption charges against Zuma, clearing the way for Zuma to once again face prosecution.

Zuma, who had faced 16 charges ranging from money-laundering to racketeering, has previously said he would stand down if finally convicted of the corruption charges.

Zuma has been investigated since 2001 for corruption, the main charge that he received bribes for protecting French arms company Thint in an investigation into a controversial arms deal.

Sapa