Zimbabweans Jubilant as Parliamentarians vow to impeach Mugabe. credit/VOA
Proceedings to Impeach Mugabe Begins
Zimbabwe Parliamentarians have begun the process to impeach 93-year-old long-time President Robert Mugabe after he refused to bulge to resignation.
Speaker Jacob Mudenda said the motion to impeach Mugabe was raised on Tuesday as thousands of protesters rallied outside parliament in Harare, demanding that Mugabe quit.
The ousted Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa as well as the ruling party, ZANU-PF have also called for president to resign.
Mugabe impeachment motion includes charges that he abused his authority to position his wife, Grace Mugabe, as his successor. Mugabe had demonstrated that he would appoint his wife as vice president after he fired popular military hero Mnangagwa two weeks ago.
In a statement Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the people of Zimbabwe have spoken. He appealed to Mugabe to leave office “so that the country can move forward.”
Mnangagwa added that he will not return to the country until he can be assured of his safety.
Today’s impeachment test on Mugabe at the Parliament may have raised the hopes of the people that Mugabe will leave office soon.
Parliamentarian, Temba Mliswa said he would resign his position if the House fails to remove Mugabe.
“If we fail to impeach the president through Parliament, I’ll step down as an MP for Norton Constituency. I see the failure as a betrayal to the people of Zimbabwe who have put their lives on line marching against Mugabe. This is about the people and it’s beyond political parties”
There have been protests and prayers since yesterday, and people calling on the Parliament to effect Mugabe’s impeachment.
At least 5 ZANU PF MPs who were absent at the meeting yesterday have indicated they will attend Parliamentary meeting today. If that is done, that will bring the ZANU PF above 234 required to impeach Mugabe. So even if the Mugabe loyalists decide to vote for him whilst ZANU PF votes angst Mugabe, that will have Mugabe removed.
Impeachment in Zimbabwe can only occur in specific scenarios, on grounds of “serious misconduct”, “violation” of the constitution or “failure to obey, uphold or defend” it, or “incapacity”.