ZANU-PF has experienced military intervention in every presidential leadership change throughout its 62-year history since 1963. The army removed Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole, the founding leader, through the signing of the Mgagao Declaration by ZANLA forces and General Constantino Chiwenga. Advocate Herbert Chitepo assumed the chairmanship before dying in a Zambia bombing incident connected to ZANLA operatives. Robert Mugabe then assumed control, but was ousted by military forces in 2017.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa could establish an unprecedented precedent by completing his term and appointing Kudakwashe Tagwirei as successor. Such a transition would represent the first voluntary presidential handover without military involvement in the party's entire existence. The organization has never witnessed a leader voluntarily resign or retire from the highest office.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa could establish an unprecedented precedent by completing his term and appointing Kudakwashe Tagwirei as successor. Such a transition would represent the first voluntary presidential handover without military involvement in the party's entire existence. The organization has never witnessed a leader voluntarily resign or retire from the highest office.
