President of the Republic of Zimbabwe |
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Presidential Flag
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Term length | 5 years, renewable once |
Inaugural holder | Canaan Banana |
Formation | 18 April 1980 |
Deputy | Vice-President of Zimbabwe |
Salary | US$ 4,000 (2014) |
Website | www |
The President of Zimbabwe is the head of state of Zimbabwe, elected by popular majority vote. The office of President was held by Canaan Banana from the country's independence in 1980 until 1987 and then by the current incumbent, Robert Mugabe.
The President is also the head of government, as the office of Prime Minister was abolished in 1987. The office was restored as a result of the 2008–09 political negotiations, but abolished again following the 2013 constitutional referendum.
Under the rules adopted by the same referendum, the president serves a maximum of two five-year terms (this does not have retrospective effect).
The office of the President of Zimbabwe was established in 1980, when the country gained independence from the United Kingdom. A Methodist minister, Canaan Banana, became the first President and he served until 1987, in a mostly ceremonial role. The real power was vested in the Prime Minister, Robert Mugabe. In 1987, Mugabe succeeded Banana as President after he revised the Constitution to make himself Executive President.