President Hakainde Hichilema has declined to assent to the Public Gathering Bill and has referred it back to Parliament for further consideration, citing constitutional concerns.
According to State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, the President returned the Bill to Parliament on May 29, 2026, in accordance with Article 66(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Mr. Hamasaka said the Head of State identified inconsistencies between the current draft legislation and established judicial precedents, prompting him to withhold assent and request that lawmakers reconsider the proposed law.
He explained that while the President acknowledged several positive aspects of the Bill, he emphasized the need for the legislation to be fully aligned with the Constitution, particularly the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part III of the Republican Constitution.
According to State House, President Hichilema believes legal reforms should strengthen democratic governance and expand, rather than limit, the freedoms enjoyed by citizens.
“The President reaffirmed that legal reforms must strengthen the nation’s democracy and broaden the freedoms enjoyed by all Zambians,” Hamasaka stated.
The President has expressed confidence that Parliament will revisit the Bill and address the concerns raised so that any future legislation reflects constitutional principles and the highest standards of democratic governance.
The Public Gathering Bill was intended to reform the legal framework governing public assemblies and gatherings, but its reconsideration means Parliament will now have to review the provisions highlighted by the President before it can become law.
