Zimbabwean politics is characterized by a history of colonialism, struggle for independence, and subsequent governance challenges. After gaining independence in 1980, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), led by Robert Mugabe, dominated the political landscape for decades. The party faced criticism for human rights abuses and economic mismanagement, leading to widespread protests and political unrest. In recent years, Zimbabwe has seen a shift in leadership following Mugabe's ousting in 2017. Emmerson Mnangagwa, his former deputy, took over as president, promising reforms and economic recovery. However, political tensions remain, with opposition parties like the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) continuing to challenge the ruling party's authority.