The main opposition party of Zimbabwe took steps Tuesday to oust the nation’s longtime autocratic leader, President Robert Mugabe.
The Movement for Democratic Change, responding to deepening popular frustration over rising food prices and dwindling fuel supplies, delivered a motion to the speaker of the parliament accusing Mugabe of willfully violating the constitution and committing acts of gross misconduct. When parliament convenes Wednesday, the document will kickstart impeachment.
Ousting Mugabe would require significant bipartisan support, and few political observers predict a mass defection from within the ruling party.
Still, the opposition argues that the impeachment process will force a public debate.
“We are sending a statement to this president and all future presidents that we will not sit back and accept unlawful conduct,” said Welshman Ncube, the opposition party’s general secretary.
