An MP from Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been arrested as parliament prepared to meet for the first time since controversial parliamentary elections in March, according to a party spokesman.

Shuah Mudiwa, member of parliament for Mutare West was detained in the chamber on Monday, Nelson Chamisa, MDC spokesman, said.

"They have arrested one of our MPs, here in the chamber," he said.

We hear that they are also looking for a total of 15 of our members of parliament as part of an evil ploy to rig the elections for parliamentary speaker."

Zimbabwe's parliament is due to elect a speaker later on Monday, however Chamisa said the MDC will not allow the vote to go ahead after the arrest.

"Clearly they have chosen the path of arrogance, unilaterilism, that is a serious blow to confidence building in the talks," Chamisa said.