This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7000314.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MPs debate Mugabe succession bill MPs debate Mugabe succession bill
(30 minutes later)
Zimbabwe's parliament has begun debating the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which could give President Mugabe the right to choose his own successor.Zimbabwe's parliament has begun debating the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which could give President Mugabe the right to choose his own successor.
The law would also give parliament the power to elect a new president if Mr Mugabe fails to serve out a full term.The law would also give parliament the power to elect a new president if Mr Mugabe fails to serve out a full term.
Zimbabwe's opposition fears the bill could undermine current talks being mediated by South Africa.Zimbabwe's opposition fears the bill could undermine current talks being mediated by South Africa.
A new report says that as Zimbabwe falls deeper into economic crisis, this regional initiative is the best chance.A new report says that as Zimbabwe falls deeper into economic crisis, this regional initiative is the best chance.
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) says Zimbabwe is closer to complete collapse than ever, with the world's highest inflation rate at 7,500% and soaring unemployment.The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) says Zimbabwe is closer to complete collapse than ever, with the world's highest inflation rate at 7,500% and soaring unemployment.
It is estimated that four out of five Zimbabweans live below the poverty line and up to a quarter of the country's population has fled.It is estimated that four out of five Zimbabweans live below the poverty line and up to a quarter of the country's population has fled.
Regional initiativeRegional initiative
The ICG says Southern African countries are the only ones with a chance of making a difference as Western sanctions have proved to be largely symbolic and the condemnation of the regime by the UK and US has been counter-productive.The ICG says Southern African countries are the only ones with a chance of making a difference as Western sanctions have proved to be largely symbolic and the condemnation of the regime by the UK and US has been counter-productive.
Mbeki is under pressure to act more firmly with Robert MugabeMbeki is under pressure to act more firmly with Robert Mugabe
The ICG concludes that all countries and institutions should close ranks behind Thabo Mbeki's efforts to mediate between President Mugabe's governing ZANU-PF and the opposition MDC.The ICG concludes that all countries and institutions should close ranks behind Thabo Mbeki's efforts to mediate between President Mugabe's governing ZANU-PF and the opposition MDC.
The regional initiative aims to redraw the constitution and pave the way for new elections.The regional initiative aims to redraw the constitution and pave the way for new elections.
The MDC has said that as a result of positive developments at the regional talks in Pretoria, it believes the government has reconsidered its initial proposals and will table some welcome amendments to the bill.
As a result both factions of the MDC will join together in common caucus in parliament for the debate.
At present Robert Mugabe serves a term of six years - but if this bill is passed, it would run concurrently with the tenure of parliament for five years.At present Robert Mugabe serves a term of six years - but if this bill is passed, it would run concurrently with the tenure of parliament for five years.
Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass; a majority Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF enjoys.Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass; a majority Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF enjoys.