By Given Mutinta
ASSENTING TO THE PUBLIC GATHERING ACT WITHOUT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
The decision by Southern Province Police Commissioner Moono Faula Namalongo to ban political rallies and public meetings in Mazabuka, citing Section 9 of the Public Gathering Act of 2026, has stirred confusion among citizens.
This is largely because there has been no public record or widely reported announcement of President Hakainde Hichilema assenting to this Act.
Such opacity undermines trust in governmental processes.
In a healthy democracy, the passage of significant laws—especially those affecting fundamental rights like freedom of assembly—should be open, transparent, and subject to public scrutiny.
Regardless of the reason, the lack of transparency is problematic.
For laws to be respected and obeyed, they must be known, understood, and seen as legitimate by the people.
Secretive lawmaking undermines the very foundation of democratic governance and can erode public confidence in both law enforcement and the executive.
The government should clarify when and how the Public Gathering Act of 2026 was enacted.