Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom are set to stage a protest in London on April 18, coinciding with Independence Day, to oppose the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill.
The demonstration, organised by the Citizens Protest Movement, will take place outside Zimbabwe House on the Strand from midday.
The protest is being backed by several diaspora groups, including the Constitutional Defenders Forum, Defend the Constitution Platform, National Democratic Working Group and Zim for All Foundation.
Organisers say the protest aims to pressure the government led by Emmerson Mnangagwa to halt the bill and submit any proposed constitutional changes to a national referendum.
Critics argue that the bill undermines key democratic safeguards enshrined in the 2013 Constitution and concentrates power within the executive.
Chenayi Mutambasere, spokesperson for Zim for All Foundation, said the proposed changes could weaken accountability and limit citizen participation.
“This Bill represents a significant step backwards for Zimbabwe’s democracy,” she said.
Meanwhile, Makomborero Haruzivishe, speaking on behalf of the Constitutional Defenders Forum, described the bill as an attack on the sovereignty of Zimbabweans.
He said the proposal to remove the public’s right to directly elect the president would undermine democratic principles and transfer power to legislators.
Among the key provisions drawing criticism are plans to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years, shift voter registration responsibilities away from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, and expand presidential influence over judicial appointments.
Opponents also argue that the amendments risk politicising traditional leadership structures.
The demonstration’s timing on Independence Day is intended to highlight concerns that the gains made in 1980 and reinforced in the 2013 Constitution are being reversed.
Critics further contend that the current composition of Parliament raises questions about its legitimacy to pass such sweeping changes, particularly following internal disputes within the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.
Organisers say the protest is also a call for greater inclusion of the diaspora in Zimbabwe’s democratic processes, warning that proposed changes could render their participation less meaningful.
DEMONSTRATION DETAILS
Date: Saturday 18 April 2026 (Zimbabwe Independence Day)
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Zimbabwe House, The Strand, London
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