Legal experts have said that former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa can succeed Robert Mugabe as the President of Zimbabwe if he is nominated by Zanu-PF.
University of Zimbabwe law lecturer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said Zanu-PF could nominate its replacement and advise the Speaker minutes after the resignation. Said Madhuku:
Zanu-PF, being the party of the former President, has the right to nominate a successor within 90 days. They can do it any time, even now or within minutes if they are ready. VP Mphoko can only act as President for minutes if Zanu-PF is ready with its nominee. In terms of the law, VP Mphoko, in his capacity as Acting President, will continue working with the Cabinet ministers left behind by the former President until the appointment of a substantive leader. The new substantive leader will appoint a new Cabinet.
Tendai Toto, said it was for the best for Zimbabweans to agree on a Government of National Unity. Said Toto:
It will be up to the political players to allow talks to form a Government of National Unity and agree not to hold elections for a period of up to five years until electoral reforms are done. It is in the interests of the people of Zimbabwe to ensure that a transitional Government is put in place and life goes on.
More: Herald