afrol News, 26 August - Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe will open parliament today despite main opposition Movement for Democratic Change leaders objections that reconvening parliament will stall ongoing power sharing talks.

On Monday, opposition MDC party saw its member, Lovemore Moyo, elected speaker after he got 110 votes in the 210 member assembly.

A rival candidate from the MDC splinter faction led by Arthur Mutambara received 99 votes. Mr Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC said it might attend opening of Parliament out of respect for new speaker but it did not recognise Mr Mugabe as the country's president.

Following his election, Mr Moyo said parliament would no longer be rubber-stamp for Mr Mugabe's policies, pledging to work towards a professional parliament that will represent true wishes of the people of Zimbabwe.

Victory came despite two opposition politicians being arrested as they entered parliament building to be sworn in. Legislator Sure Mudiwa was held only briefly and later was among 208 of 210 lawmakers sworn in, but second arrested, Elia Jembere, did not reappear.

Mr Jembere is among seven opposition activists police want for alleged involvement in election violence, but independent human rights groups accuse Mr Mugabe's forces for most violence that occurred during elections.

Zanu-PF won a vote for presidency of the upper house of Parliament, the Senate, where it has a majority - meaning it can block legislation passed by Parliament.

Negotiations between ruling Zanu-PF and Mr Tsvangirai's MDC are deadlocked over what opposition said was Mr Mugabe's refusal to give up executive power after 28 years in office.

Political analysts said although talks on how to share power look doomed for now, they are likely to resume in coming weeks because both Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai are under intense pressure to reach a settlement.

MDC now controls parliament for the first time though leader Mr Tsvangirai claims Mr Mugabe rigged presidential election in March. He also pulled out of second round of elections because of allegations of violence against his supporters.

Mugabe's party lost control of parliament in March elections for the first time since independence from Britain.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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