Zimbabwe opposition political parties are locked in talks on a potential coalition government.
One of the conversations being held is whether to participate in a government of national unity with the governing Zanu-PF.
Sources within civil society and opposition political parties said Southern African Political Economy Series Trust director Ibbo Mandaza was leading the conversation.
Mandaza said: "We have been approached by various people so that we can facilitate talks to form a grand coalition."
He said outright victory by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who ousted Robert Mugabe, was not a desired outcome.
"We have been working on this before the coup and are still on it. A coalition government can work for this country."
The last unity government Zimbabwe had was formed between Mugabe and the late leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Jacob Mafume, People's Democratic Party spokesman, said some small opposition parties were pushing to form a grand coalition against Zanu-PF.
"Smaller parties realise the need for a grand coalition. There are about 127 registered political parties that want to contest for the presidential seat. It makes sense if all of those rally behind one person."The MDC Alliance's presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa, has reportedly been involved in coalition talks with the National Patriotic Front, which is said to have Mugabe's backing.
The MDC Alliance was formed in August 2017 and consists of seven parties that split off from the MDC.
Mafume said: "It is now up to how Chamisa can handle it. The PDP are part of the informal negotiations."
Pressure is said to be mounting on Chamisa and his party, the MDC-T, to accommodate other political players beyond just those who make up the MDC Alliance.
"There is internal resistance within the MDC-T because the more coalitions formed, the more some party bigwigs are rendered useless and their positions threatened," an MDC-T insider said.
MDC-T spokesman Thabitha Khumalo, asked if a pact with the NPF had been signed, said: "If there is such a pact there will be a communiqué to that effect."
Political analyst Alexander Rusero said an inclusive government would benefit ordinary citizens, who were desperate for an end to economic instability.
"[While] the majority will benefit, it also has disadvantages. Last time [there was a unity government] it exposed the lack of experience within opposition ministers. Zanu-PF kept all powerful and strategic ministries to itself, resulting in resistance to key reforms during that era."..