Mugabe succession bill proposed

Robert Mugabe has ruled since independence

President Robert Mugabe's government has put a bill before parliament that would give the leader room to choose a successor if he were to retire.

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa said debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill would start on Tuesday.

If approved, the law would also give parliament the power to elect a new president, should the incumbent fail to serve a full term.

Zimbabwe's opposition fears the bill could undermine current talks.

The talks about the constituion and polls next year have been mediated by South Africa.

Zimbabwe is battling a deepening economic crisis marked by the world's highest inflation rate and soaring unemployment.

At present Robert Mugabe serves a term of six years - but if this bill is passed, it would run concurrently with the tenure of parliament for five years.

Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass; a majority Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF enjoys.