The Global Platform Network Youths have called on the government to resume progress on the long-stalled Public Gatherings Bill, which has remained inactive since it was submitted by the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) in 2022.
Network spokesperson and activist Mwiza Zulu has urged the government to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, emphasizing the importance of enabling citizens to freely participate in shaping national development.
In an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today Ms Zulu stressed the need for transparency, calling on the government to publicly disclose the status of the bill to foster accountability and build trust between the state and the public.
Ms. Zulu further appealed to the government to table the bill before Parliament without delay, and before the dissolution of Parliament in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
“There is a need for the government to commit to repealing the Public Order Act in its entirety to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their right to assemble and meaningfully participate in governance and other national matters,” said Ms. Zulu.
Betty Kakoma
