Resignation would be the fastest, simplest and least risky way for Mugabe to leave power – but on Sunday he again showed that he intends to resist all calls to step down.

During his first meeting on Thursday with the army general who led the military takeover, he bluntly refused to step aside.

Another sticking point for this formula is political. The constitution says that in the event of a presidential resignation, he will be replaced by the vice-president.

But the military’s preferred candidate to succeed Mugabe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, was removed as vice-president last week.

There is however a second vice-president – Phelekeza Mphoko – who was loyal to first lady Grace Mugabe and would be elevated to president – something the army would want to avoid.

The army would first have to persuade Mugabe to reappoint Mnangagwa.

Impeachment

The National Assembly and the Senate can start proceedings to remove the president if both pass simple majority votes against the head of state in cases of “serious misconduct”, “failure to obey, uphold or defend (the) constitution”, “violation” of the constitution or “incapacity”.

Once the votes are passed, the two chambers must then appoint a joint committee to investigate removing the president.

If the commission recommends impeachment, the president can be removed from office once both houses back it with two-thirds majorities, according to section 97 of Zimbabwe’s constitution.

The vast majority of elected ZANU-PF representatives, like the opposition, are now in favour of removing Mugabe – but the process could be slow.

And like the resignation route, it would currently result in Mphoko becoming head of state.

Forcing him out

The military seized power late on Tuesday night but have been at pains to give the impression of obeying the law and have sought to play down suggestions that their intervention amounted to a coup.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover … We are only targeting criminals around him (Mugabe),” said Major General Sibusiso Moyo as he read a statement justifying the army’s actions on state TV in the early hours of Wednesday.

The African Union and the Southern African Development Community regional bloc have warned the army not to try to remove Mugabe by illegal means.

The generals appear to have heeded their warnings and have instead pushed for dialogue with Mugabe, appearing alongside him at Sunday’s TV address.

Additional reporting by The Washington Post