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Progress noted in Zimbabwe talks, amendment passes

A constitutional amendment critics say further consolidates Zimbabwe's ruling party's power was passed in parliament as the government and the main opposition spoke of progress toward easing Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis.

The amendment was passed unchallenged on Tuesday on its second reading before parliament, controlled by President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said on state television.

Chinamasa, who is also the main government negotiator in the South African-mediated talks with the opposition, said there was a "new unity of purpose" while ZTV hailed the passing of the bill as a "historical collaboration" following the intervention of South African President Thabo Mbeki.

A vote is still expected before the bill is signed into law by President Mugabe.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change lacked the votes to block it, but party officials said the decision to not put up a token fight was a gesture of goodwill.

Nelson Chamisa, spokesman for the main opposition faction led by Morgan Tsvangirai, also said the passing of the amendment pointed to progress in South African-mediated talks.

The Herald newspaper, a government mouthpiece, had reported earlier on Tuesday that it understood agreements had been reached between the government and the opposition on constitutional matters, among other issues. It did not elaborate, but said a recent meeting of the ruling party had "noted [the progress] with satisfaction."

Mugabe is under pressure to make concessions because of the collapsing economy, with acute shortages and inflation that may hit 100,000 percent by the end of the year according to the International Monetary Fund.

Among other provisions, the amendment bill allows Parliament to nominate a successor for president in the event Mugabe, the only ruler since independence in 1980, does not complete his term because of death, illness or retirement.

The existing constitution allows for a vice president to assume day-to-day administration of the government ahead of new presidential polls within 90 days of Mugabe's departure.

The amendment also would combine presidential and parliamentary elections for the first time next year, effectively reducing Mugabe's current term from six to five years.
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