How president could leave post
Here are some of the possible routes by which Mugabe could leave power:
Resignation: Article 96 of Zimbabwe’s constitution says that the president can resign if he submits a letter to the parliament speaker
who must publicly announce it within 24 hours.
Resignation would be the fastest, simplest and least risky way for Mugabe to leave power — but that looks unlikely.
During his first meeting on Thursday with the general who led the military takeover, he bluntly refused to step aside.
And on Sunday he showed once again that he intends to resist all calls to resign.
Another sticking point is political. The constitution says that in the event of a presidential resignation, he will be replaced by the vice- president.
But the military’s preferred candidate to succeed Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was sacked by Mugabe on November 6 in a move which triggered the current crisis. There is, however, a second vice- president — Phelekeza Mphoko, who is loyal to First Lady Grace Mugabe — who would be automatically be named as interim leader in a development the army would want to avoid. Impeachment: The National Assembly and the Senate can begin proceedings to remove the president if both pass simple majority votes against him — either on grounds of “serious misconduct”, “violation” of the constitution or “failure to obey, uphold or defend” it, or “incapacity”.
Once the votes are passed, the two chambers must then appoint a joint committee to investigate removing the president. If the committee recommends impeachment, the president can then be removed if both houses back it with two- thirds majorities, according to section 97 of the constitution. Like the resignation route, the process would also result in Mphoko becoming head of state. Forcing him out: The military seized power late on November 14 but have been at pains to give the impression of obeying the law, seeking to play down suggestions their intervention amounted to a coup. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community regional bloc have warned the army not to try to remove Mugabe
by illegal means. The generals appear to have heeded their warnings and have instead pushed for dialogue with Mugabe, appearing alongside him at Sunday’s TV address.