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MPs debate Mugabe succession bill Constitutional deal in Zimbabwe
(about 7 hours 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 main opposition say they have reached agreement with the government over the Constitutional Amendment bill, in a surprise move.
The law would also give parliament the power to elect a new president if Mr Mugabe fails to serve out a full term. As the draft legislation went before parliament, senior MDC members said they would not attempt to block it.
Zimbabwe's opposition fears the bill could undermine current talks being mediated by South Africa. The constitutional amendments will pave the way for joint parliamentary and presidential elections in 2008.
A new report says that as Zimbabwe falls deeper into economic crisis, this regional initiative is the best chance. A spokeswoman for the MDC said: "This should be regarded as a first step in resolving the national crisis."
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 MDC told the BBC that positive developments at the South-African backed mediation talks had led to the breakthrough.
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. Thokozani Khupe, deputy leader of the main MDC faction, said in parliament: "As a confidence-building measure we have made a bold decision not to stand in the way of the constitutional amendments."
The proposed amendments are expected to re-draw electoral boundaries, increase the number of MPs and bring forward parliamentary elections by two years.
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 day's political development came as a new report called on the international community to back the regional initiative as the best way forward for Zimbabwe as it falls ever deeper into economic crisis.
Mbeki is under pressure to act more firmly with Robert MugabeMbeki is under pressure to act more firmly with Robert Mugabe
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group (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 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 ICG warned that Zimbabwe is closer to complete collapse than ever, with the world's highest inflation rate at 7,500% and soaring unemployment.
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. 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.
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.
Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass; a majority Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF enjoys.