However, the move proved costly as Nyathi lost to MDC national chairman Lovemore Moyo, who polled a total of 110 votes against Nyathi's 98. Even tactical moves by the police to reduce the number of MDC MPs could not help's presence

Simple calculations from the outcome of the poll indicate that at least two or three Zanu PF MPs voted for the MDC chairman instead of Nyathi, a sign that Arthur Mutambara was losing ground in Zimbabwe's political landscape.

Mutambara who smiled from ear to ear after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July continues to loose grip especially after his mutual understanding with the incumbent Robert Mugabe.

Moyo's election adds another chapter to the book of history as he becomes the first opposition Speaker of Parliament since the country's independence in 1980. His party, MDC-T won a majority in Parliament for the first time and rendered the status quo the opposition party. August 25, 2008 will therefore go down in history as the day when Zanu PF decided, at least for once, to vote for MDC.

In his speech after the victory, Moyo said he was ready to take the challenge as Zanu PF would try to cause problems. "I am exceedingly humbled and honoured by your show of confidence in me. This is just a beginning of a long journey and spanners will be thrown in our way. Let me assure the people of Zimbabwe that we will not fail them" said a jovial Moyo.

However, Zanu PF retained both posts of the senate after outgoing president of senate Edna Madzongwe was re-elected on Monday. Insiza senator Naison Ndlovu was also retained as deputy president of senate.

Earlier before, two MDC legislators Shuah Mudiwa, MP for Mutare West and Eliah Jembere, MP for Epworth were arrested as they proceeded to the Parliament for the swearing in ceremony.

Mudiwa was recently acquitted of public violence charges in the June presidential election run off while Jembere was also acquitted of a fake rape charge in May this year.

The police also attempted to arrest Makoni North MP and MDC Deputy Treasurer -general, Hon Elton Mangoma, who is also one of the key negotiators of the MDC in the SADC brokered power sharing between Zanu PF and the two MDC formations which are reportedly to have collapsed.