Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe resigned today, succumbing to a week of overwhelming pressure from the military that put him under house arrest, lawmakers from the ruling ZANU-PF party and opposition who started impeachment proceedings. <br/><br/>The capital, Harare, erupted in jubilation after news spread that the 93-year-old leader's resignation letter was read out by the speaker of Parliament, whose members had gathered to impeach Mugabe after he ignored escalating calls to quit since a military takeover.<br/><br/>Mugabe, who was the world's oldest head of state, said in his letter that legal procedures should be followed to install<br/>a new president no later than tomorrow.<br/><br/>He said, his decision to resign is voluntary on his part and arises from his concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and his desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power. <br/><br/>The message was read out by parliamentary speaker Jacob Mudenda.<br/>A ruling party official, Lovemore Matuke said that recently fired Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will take over as the country's leader within 48 hours.