List of Presidents of Zimbabwe
Encyclopedia
The President of Zimbabwe is the head of state
of Zimbabwe
. The office was first held by Canaan Banana
following independence in 1980. From 31 December 1987 to 11 February 2009 the President was also the head of government
, as the position of Prime Minister
was abolished by Banana's successor, Robert Mugabe
. Following political negotiations in 2008 and 2009
, the position of Prime Minister was restored, and the President again became solely the head of state.
The President of Zimbabwe is elected to a term of 6 years.
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
. The office was first held by Canaan Banana
Canaan Banana
Canaan Sodindo Banana served as the first President of Zimbabwe from 18 April 1980 until 31 December 1987. A Methodist minister, he held the largely ceremonial office of the presidency while his eventual successor, Robert Mugabe, served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.During his lifetime, Banana...
following independence in 1980. From 31 December 1987 to 11 February 2009 the President was also the head of government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
, as the position of Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe is the head of government in Zimbabwe. From 1980 to 1987, Robert Mugabe was the first person to hold the position following independence from the United Kingdom. He took office when Rhodesia became the Republic of Zimbabwe on 18 April 1980...
was abolished by Banana's successor, Robert Mugabe
Robert Mugabe
Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the President of Zimbabwe. As one of the leaders of the liberation movement against white-minority rule, he was elected into power in 1980...
. Following political negotiations in 2008 and 2009
2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations
The 2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations between the opposition Movement for Democratic Change , its small splinter group, the Movement for Democratic Change - Mutambara , and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front are intended to negotiate an end to the partisan...
, the position of Prime Minister was restored, and the President again became solely the head of state.
The President of Zimbabwe is elected to a term of 6 years.
Presidents of Zimbabwe (1980–Present)
(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)| Tenure | Portrait | Incumbent | Affiliation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three... |
||||
| 18 April 1980 to 31 December 1987 |  |
Canaan Banana Canaan Banana Canaan Sodindo Banana served as the first President of Zimbabwe from 18 April 1980 until 31 December 1987. A Methodist minister, he held the largely ceremonial office of the presidency while his eventual successor, Robert Mugabe, served as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.During his lifetime, Banana... , President |
ZANU | Ceremonial President |
| 31 December 1987 to Present |  |
Robert Mugabe Robert Mugabe Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the President of Zimbabwe. As one of the leaders of the liberation movement against white-minority rule, he was elected into power in 1980... , President |
ZANU – PF | Executive President |
Affiliations
- ZANU – Zimbabwe African National UnionZimbabwe African National UnionThe Zimbabwe African National Union was a militant organization that fought against the standing government in Rhodesia, formed as a split from the Zimbabwe African People's Union...
- ZANU – PF – Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front
See also
- Prime Minister of ZimbabwePrime Minister of ZimbabweThe Prime Minister of Zimbabwe is the head of government in Zimbabwe. From 1980 to 1987, Robert Mugabe was the first person to hold the position following independence from the United Kingdom. He took office when Rhodesia became the Republic of Zimbabwe on 18 April 1980...
- List of Presidents of Rhodesia