Zimbabwean Political Crises, 2008-Present (The More Things Changed)

Since the general election in 2008, Zimbabwe has faced an ongoing political crisis; for 35 of the past 37 years, Zimbabwe has been led by the Mugabe political family. Former President Robert Mugabe served as Prime Minister from 1980-1987, and as President from 1987-2011. His wife, Grace Mugabe, has served as President since 2013.

2011 Zimbabwean Constitution
As a condition of Mugabe's resignation, the Zimbabwean constitution was amended to prevent living former Presidents at that time (i.e. Robert Mugabe) from being prosecuted, arrested, or tried in court. Additionally, Mugabe was granted the rank of Senator-for-Life.

Presidency of Joice Mujuru
At the outset of her administration, Mujuru enjoyed broad popular support from ZANU-PF leadership and the party's rank-and-file. She rallied support among the politburo, central committee and the presidium, and the provincial party chairs; her loyalists were also elected to the party's youth league.

Initially, Mujuru kept most of Mugabe's Cabinet in place, with a notable exception being the expulsion of Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, a long-time election rival.

BUILD Initiative
Mujuru sought to differentiate herself from her predecessor with the BUILD Initiative (Blueprint to Unlock Investment and Leverage for Development). As part of the initiative, the Indigenisation Act - which gave the government the right to take over foreign controlled businesses - was subjected to a "wholesale review" and ultimately repealed. In addition, Mujuru stated her opposition to parts of Mugabe's land reform program, including the prohibition of white Zimbabweans from owning land.

In October 2011, Mujuru established a think-tank, the Presidential Economic and Advisory Centre for Excellence (PEACE), "to advise, assist, comment on and support government policy formulation, implementation and review." Outside critics, however, such as Tafi Mhaka of Nehanda Radio have deemed PEACE to be a "revolving door for cronies."