State House has clarified that President Hakainde Hichilema did not assent to the Public Gatherings Bill and instead referred it back to Parliament for reconsideration.
According to State House Chief Cimmunication Specilaist Clayson Hamasaka, the President returned the Bill to Parliament on May 29, 2026, pursuant to Article 66(1)(b) of the Constitution, citing inconsistencies between the draft legislation and established judicial precedents.
The President has reiterated that any legal reforms must strengthen democracy and expand the freedoms enjoyed by citizens, while remaining fully aligned with constitutional provisions, particularly the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part III of
By Staff Reporter
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