News / National
MDC challenges police ban on anti-CAB3 protest
24 Apr 2026 at 10:31hrs |
0 Views
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court of Zimbabwe challenging a decision by police to bar its planned demonstration against Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.
The opposition party says the ban is unlawful and seeks to overturn it ahead of a planned court hearing.
This marks the second time the MDC has been denied permission to demonstrate against the controversial Bill, which seeks to extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Parliament and local authorities beyond the 2028 election cycle.
The proposed amendment has triggered heightened political tensions, with critics arguing it undermines democratic processes and could delay national elections.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police rejected the notification for the protest, citing risks of public disorder and safety concerns.
In a letter, police said they were not satisfied that adequate measures had been provided to prevent disruption or protect participants and the public.
They warned that the demonstration could lead to traffic disruption and potential injuries, concluding that no conditions could sufficiently mitigate the risks.
MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba confirmed that the party has approached the High Court seeking an urgent reversal of the police decision.
"We have urgently applied for an urgent chamber application against this illegal ban on our demonstration, and the case will be heard tomorrow," he said.
He added that the party intends to proceed with the protest regardless of the ruling, calling on supporters, civil society and "progressive forces" to participate.
"We want to show the world that we are a republic and that we have refused to be a monarchy," he said.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 has become a focal point of political contestation, with ruling party supporters backing the proposal while opposition groups warn it could significantly alter Zimbabwe's democratic framework by extending the current political term structure without elections.
The opposition party says the ban is unlawful and seeks to overturn it ahead of a planned court hearing.
This marks the second time the MDC has been denied permission to demonstrate against the controversial Bill, which seeks to extend the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Parliament and local authorities beyond the 2028 election cycle.
The proposed amendment has triggered heightened political tensions, with critics arguing it undermines democratic processes and could delay national elections.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police rejected the notification for the protest, citing risks of public disorder and safety concerns.
In a letter, police said they were not satisfied that adequate measures had been provided to prevent disruption or protect participants and the public.
MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba confirmed that the party has approached the High Court seeking an urgent reversal of the police decision.
"We have urgently applied for an urgent chamber application against this illegal ban on our demonstration, and the case will be heard tomorrow," he said.
He added that the party intends to proceed with the protest regardless of the ruling, calling on supporters, civil society and "progressive forces" to participate.
"We want to show the world that we are a republic and that we have refused to be a monarchy," he said.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 has become a focal point of political contestation, with ruling party supporters backing the proposal while opposition groups warn it could significantly alter Zimbabwe's democratic framework by extending the current political term structure without elections.
Source - newzimbabwe
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
