6 Feb 2009

Parliament passes "unity govt" law for Zimbabwe

6:51 am on 6 February 2009

Parliament in Zimbabwe has passed a constitutional bill to allow a coalition government to be set up under a deal to end a political and economic crisis.

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai agreed last week to join a unity government with President Robert Mugabe.

Speaker Lovemore Moyo said 184 members of the 210-seat parliament had voted for the bill, surpassing the two-thirds needed.

Mr Tsvangirai will become prime minister. Mr Mugabe will remain president.

A "unity government" is scheduled to be in place by 13 February.