News / National
UK-based Zimbabweans to protest CAB3 on Independence Day
16 Apr 2026 at 10:20hrs |
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Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom are set to stage a protest outside Zimbabwe House in London on Saturday, April 18, opposing proposed constitutional amendments they say could weaken democratic processes and centralise power.
The demonstration, scheduled for 12pm outside the Zimbabwe Embassy on The Strand, will coincide with Zimbabwe's Independence Day commemorations and is being organised by the Citizens Protest Movement, a coalition of UK-based Zimbabwean civic groups.
Protesters are targeting the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which critics argue could extend the presidential term to 2030, alter the system for electing the president, and delay future elections. While the government has not formally confirmed all the details cited by campaigners, the proposals have sparked growing debate both in Zimbabwe and among the diaspora.
Spokesperson for the Zim for All Foundation, Chenai Mutambaruse, said the changes would undermine democratic accountability.
"This Bill represents a significant step backwards for Zimbabwe's democracy," she said.
She argued that the proposed reforms risk concentrating power in the executive and weakening citizen participation in governance.
Makomborero Haruzivishe, diaspora spokesperson for the Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF), said Zimbabweans abroad are particularly concerned about reports that the presidency could shift from a direct electoral system to a parliamentary vote.
"This Bill effectively undermines the people's sovereign will," he said.
He added that such a shift would reduce transparency and increase the risk of political manipulation within Parliament.
Zimbabwe's diaspora community contributes significant remittances to the national economy but has limited voting rights, generally restricted to citizens physically present in the country or in specific official categories.
Campaigners say removing direct presidential elections would further marginalise diaspora voters and weaken their influence on national governance.
The protest reflects growing political tension around constitutional reform debates, which have become a focal point of both domestic opposition and overseas civic mobilisation.
The demonstration, scheduled for 12pm outside the Zimbabwe Embassy on The Strand, will coincide with Zimbabwe's Independence Day commemorations and is being organised by the Citizens Protest Movement, a coalition of UK-based Zimbabwean civic groups.
Protesters are targeting the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, which critics argue could extend the presidential term to 2030, alter the system for electing the president, and delay future elections. While the government has not formally confirmed all the details cited by campaigners, the proposals have sparked growing debate both in Zimbabwe and among the diaspora.
Spokesperson for the Zim for All Foundation, Chenai Mutambaruse, said the changes would undermine democratic accountability.
"This Bill represents a significant step backwards for Zimbabwe's democracy," she said.
She argued that the proposed reforms risk concentrating power in the executive and weakening citizen participation in governance.
Makomborero Haruzivishe, diaspora spokesperson for the Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF), said Zimbabweans abroad are particularly concerned about reports that the presidency could shift from a direct electoral system to a parliamentary vote.
"This Bill effectively undermines the people's sovereign will," he said.
He added that such a shift would reduce transparency and increase the risk of political manipulation within Parliament.
Zimbabwe's diaspora community contributes significant remittances to the national economy but has limited voting rights, generally restricted to citizens physically present in the country or in specific official categories.
Campaigners say removing direct presidential elections would further marginalise diaspora voters and weaken their influence on national governance.
The protest reflects growing political tension around constitutional reform debates, which have become a focal point of both domestic opposition and overseas civic mobilisation.
Source - newsday
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