Mugabe heckled as parliament opens
Zimbabwe opposition says the president has no right to address the chamber.
Parliamentary gains
On Monday, both Zanu-PF and the MDC won positions in the two chambers, further complicating Zimbabwe’s post-election political crisis.
The MDC’s national chairman, Lovemore Moyo, was elected as speaker of parliament, one of the most powerful posts in Zimbabwean politics.
Zanu-PF won a vote for the presidency of the upper house of parliament, the Senate – where it has a majority – meaning it can block legislation passed by parliament.
Negotiations between Zanu-PF and the MDC have stalled over what the opposition says is Mugabe’s refusal to give up executive power after 28 years in office.
The deadlock, which persists in spite of strong regional and international pressure for a deal, has dampened hopes of an agreement that could end the political crisis and revive the economy.