President Robert Mugabe has been recalled by the ruling Zanu PF party and given up to Monday afternoon to resign or be impeached.
The party’s Central Committee overwhelmingly voted to dump the 93 year old president, who has been in power since Zimbabwe attained independence from British rule.
At least 201 members of the powerful Central Committee endorsed the president’s removal from the helm of the party and the expulsion of his deputy, Phelekezela Mphoko, top Zanu PF officials Professor Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Ignatius Chombo and others, linked to a group calling itself Generation 40 that wanted First Lady Grace Mugabe to succeed Mugabe.
The Central Committee resolved that sacked Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa should take over the post of president and secretary of the party until the next elections.
Chinamasa announced the removal of the president from the two powerful Zanu PF positions.
He further noted that some members of the party who were suspended by members of Generation 40 be reinstated.
He said the president should resign forthwith or face impeachment in parliament.
The party, according to Chinamasa, has recalled Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, and expelled several members, including First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Constitutional lawyer Obert Gutu, who is also the opposition MDC-T spokesperson, said the ruling party is facing a constitutional crisis in reinstating Mnangagwa, who was expelled from the government.
Zanu PF transport secretary Joram Gumbo said it was sad that President Mugabe had to be recalled from his position but added that this was a necessary move as there were people in the party who had taken advantage of his old age.
War veterans leader Victor Matematanda said they would have preferred to work with all stakeholders as a way forward but was quick to say Mnangagwa will have to make his own options in forming a government.
Gutu said the MDC-T is not interested in getting into power through the back door.
Skeptics like prominent cleric, Bishop Paul Verryn of the Methodist Church, said there are fears that Zanu PF is entrenching its rule through the military.
Bishop Verryn, however, hoped that the country will one day achieve peace and development.
It remains to be seen how the country will transition to a democratic state as those who have been pushed out of the party will fight for a comeback.