Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Despite Arrests, Zimbabwe Opposition Elects Speaker

Mugabe's candidate defeated as MDC's Moyo wins close parliamentary vote

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Aug 25, 2008 3:00 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Opposition groups in Zimbabwe's parliament today defeated the candidate for speaker put forward by President Robert Mugabe, electing instead a member of the Movement for Democratic Change, the Times of London reports. Though security forces arrested several MDC members ahead of the vote, MDC lawmakers sang anti-Mugabe songs in a parliament speaker Lovemore Moyo said will "cease to be a rubber stamping house."

Zimbabwe has been in political limbo since elections in March, when Mugabe—who, at 84, still holds the bulk of the power—began discussing power-sharing options with the winning MDC and its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai. “Mugabe has forged ahead with convening parliament and this is very unfortunate because, as a party, we had hoped something might come out of the interparty talks,” an MDC spokesman told the New York Times.

The candidate for speaker from President Robert Mugabe's Zanu (PF) party was defeated, a sign that his 28-year hold on power is becoming more tenuous.
The candidate for speaker from President Robert Mugabe's Zanu (PF) party was defeated, a sign that his 28-year hold on power is becoming more tenuous.   (AP Photo)
Members of Zimbabwe's opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, celebrates in parliament after colleague Lovemore Moyo was elected speaker today.
Members of Zimbabwe's opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, celebrates in parliament after colleague Lovemore Moyo was elected speaker today.   (AP Photo)
Lovemore Moyo, the newly elected speaker of Zimbabwe's parliament, takes his ceremonial seat today.
Lovemore Moyo, the newly elected speaker of Zimbabwe's parliament, takes his ceremonial seat today.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

MPs detained as parliament sworn in
AFP

Tsvangirai shouldn't be bullied into bad deal
Economist

 
Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • Movement for Democratic Change • Zimbabwe elections • Zanu-PF • Lovemore Moyo

More Newser Stories

Africa Braces for Zimbabwe Refugees

Mugabe Detains His Challenger

Tsvangirai Returns to Zimbabwe

Assassination Plot Delays Tsvangirai Homecoming

Opposition Holds Gains in Zimbabwe Recount
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne