Aspiring Member of Parliament, for Katuba Constituency in Central Province, Chooma Mwachikoka, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema, on his decision of returning the Public Gatherings Bill to Parliament, for further adjustments.
In an exclusive interview with the media, Mr Mwachikoka says that the president has demonstrated democratic leadership, by ensuring that the will of all concerned stakeholders and ordinary citizens is heard and put into consideration.
Mr Mwachikoka, added that it is his wish that the clause that demands that the police be notified when people gather, should be amended to a mere police notification and request for manpower.
“The President is demonstrating that he is trying to make sure that the democracy of our country, a young democracy, grows by following the will of the people, and that it should prevail,” said Mr Mwachikoka.
He said that the government should however ensure that people that have convened at a particular meeting have taken care of all security concerns.
“I think the public are saying that the police should just be notified, in a modern democracy, there is no need to put so many restrictions,” he added.
He also called for particular attention to other contentious clauses before the bill is brought back to the president for ascent.
But his party passed it! Under his instructions. So why throw it back at them. Is he trying to show us something? That he is independent of his party? Or is he trying to flex his muscles? Show them who is boss?
It infact came from a cabinet that he chaired. It cannot go to parliament without approval. Is it the one that initially said you cant assemble 3 people then moved it to 7 people
Katuba constituency bootlicker we know you would have commended President Hichilema for signing this gathering Bill.