Impeachment and Political Unrest in Zimbabwe
Impeachment is a process by which a legislative body can remove a public official from office. In Zimbabwe, the impeachment process is outlined in the country’s constitution. The constitution states that the president can be impeached for “gross misconduct” or “incapacity to discharge the functions of his office”.
The impeachment process begins with a vote in the House of Assembly. If a simple majority of the House votes to impeach the president, the matter then goes to the Senate for a trial. The Senate must vote by a two-thirds majority to convict the president and remove him from office.
Zimbabwe has been rocked by political unrest in recent weeks. The unrest began on January 14, 2023, when the government announced a 100% increase in the price of fuel. The price hike sparked widespread protests, which quickly turned violent.
The protests have been met with a heavy-handed response from the government. The security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse the protesters. There have been reports of dozens of people killed and hundreds injured in the protests.
The unrest has led to calls for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa has refused to resign, but he has promised to meet with the opposition to discuss the crisis.
It is unclear what will happen next in Zimbabwe. The impeachment process is still ongoing, and it is possible that Mnangagwa could be removed from office. However, it is also possible that the unrest could continue, leading to further violence and instability.
The situation in Zimbabwe is fluid and unpredictable. It is important to stay informed about the latest developments and to be prepared for any eventuality.