ZANUPF

ZANU-PF, short for Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front, is a Zimbabwean political party that has dominated national politics since independence. It traces its origins to ZANU, founded in 1963 by nationalist leaders including Ndabaningi Sithole, and emerged as the principal force in the guerrilla war against white-minority rule. In 1987, ZANU-PF was formed from the merger of ZANU with PF-ZAPU (led by Joshua Nkomo) through the Unity Accord, creating the dominant party that would lead the country after independence in 1980. The party's early years were characterized by liberation struggle and a socialist-leaning agenda, which evolved over time toward nationalist and state-centered economic policies.

ZANU-PF has played a central role in Zimbabwe’s governance, with its leaders serving as heads of state for much of the post-independence era. Its policy trajectory has included liberation nationalism, land policy debates, and various economic strategies, including indigenisation drives in the 2000s. The party has faced significant controversy, including allegations of electoral irregularities, human rights concerns during election cycles, and the controversial land reform programs beginning in 2000. A pivotal moment occurred in 2017 when a military intervention led to the ouster of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, with Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding him as party leader and president. Since then, ZANU-PF has continued to win national elections, most recently in the 2023 polls, and remains the ruling party in Zimbabwe.

Structurally, ZANU-PF conducts its affairs through a Congress as its supreme body, supported by a Politburo and Central Committee, with organizational wings that include youth and women’s leagues. The party remains closely linked to the broader governance framework of Zimbabwe and to the presidency, where its leader typically also serves as the country’s president.