The African National Congress (ANC) is a center-left political party in South Africa. This party ruled in South Africa since it gained majority power in May 1994. It was established on January 8, 1912 in Bloemfontein to protect the rights of South African colored people. Some of its founders are Albert Lutuli, the winner of Nobel Prize Awards, poet and author Sol Plaatje and John Dube. Until 1923, this party was named South African Native National Congress. ANC is the only one party which has governed South Africa since 1994. The support reduced a bit in the general elections in 1999, but they regained more vote in the following 2004 elections.