How the Opposition Can Oust Mugabe

Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a sixth term as Zimbabwe's president—but this time, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change commands a majority in the country's parliament. That split offers the best hope of deposing Mugabe, writes Mark Y. Rosenberg in the New York Times. The best way to oust the president, he says, might simply be to get rid of the office altogether.

Morgan Tsvangirai, acting as prime minister alongside rebellious Zanu-PF members, "could rather quickly declare the Parliament sovereign and terminate Mr. Mugabe’s reign." Other African countries, such as Benin and Mali, have made similar moves, and Zimbabwe itself had a parliamentary democracy before Mugabe abolished it. And a parliamentary government would do more than just dislodge a tyrant—it would also ensure a more democratic Zimbabwe in the future.