Mugabe considers a 'dignified exit'

Mugabe considers a 'dignified exit'

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By Cris Chinaka

ZIMBABWE President Robert Mugabe's plan to extend his tenure by two years to 2010 may in fact be the start of a "dignified exit" for one of Africa's most controversial leaders, according to ruling party sources who spoke to the Reuters news agency.

Plans under consideration by Mugabe's ruling Zanu PF include splitting executive powers - a move which could see the 82-year-old Mugabe emerge a ceremonial figurehead.

"There are several proposals under consideration, including the introduction of a prime minister in the government structure who will assume some of the executive authority currently being carried by the president," Reuters quoted one source as saying.

An annual Zanu PF conference last month "noted and adopted" a motion approving a plan to move presidential polls from 2008 to 2010 to coincide with parliamentary elections.

The opposition has condemned the proposal, which would effectively give Mugabe two more years as president, as a step toward dictatorship but looks too weak to stop the process.

Although the resolution must still be approved by Zanu PF's policy-making central committee and by parliament, analysts say this will be a formality as Mugabe allies have control over both institutions.

But some senior party officials say that while the move gives the appearance of Mugabe consolidating his hold, the transition could see the veteran Zimbabwean leader sharing power as a stepping stone towards retirement.

"Far from being a consolidation, I think you are going to find a process of devolution of power, that some of the executive powers are going to be shared and that this is a gentle disengagement process by the president," the source said.

Another official said: "Although the issue has not been finalised, I think we are going to see a system in which the president (Mugabe) is more of a ceremonial government leader, a kind of father figure, with the day-to-day running of the state falling into the hands of a prime minister."

Others said that while the government could use the election changes to give Mugabe a "dignified exit" from power, Mugabe was likely to remain head of Zanu PF until he has sorted out a bitter succession battle gripping the ruling party.

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