Gathering Law Under Scrutiny

NGOCC questions reported assent, limited consultation, and enforcement of Public Gathering Bill ahead of 2026 elections

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia  --- (10-06-2026) --- The Public Gathering Bill of 2026 is under scrutiny following reports that it has been assented to and is already being enforced without any official public announcement.

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Executive Director Anne Mbewe-Anamela has raised concern over what she describes as a lack of transparency surrounding the law’s rollout, telling Zambia24 that the absence of a formal government statement on such a significant law raises serious questions of public accountability.

“Laws of this magnitude must be clearly communicated before enforcement begins. Anything less risks undermining public trust,” she said.

She added that legislation affecting constitutional freedoms should never be introduced or enforced in a way that leaves citizens uncertain about their rights and obligations.

The organisation also notes concerns that the Bill may have gone through Parliament with limited stakeholder consultation, potentially restricting meaningful public participation in the law-making process.

Questions have also emerged over enforcement. NGOCC cites reports that police in Mazabuka applied Section 9 of the Act to disperse supporters of former Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo and block his campaign launch as an independent candidate.

The organisation says such actions raise concerns about legality, procedure, and fairness, especially if the public has not been adequately informed about the law’s existence or provisions.

NGOCC further observes that while government has communicated other policy developments, including in education and social protection, there has been no clear public explanation regarding the Public Gathering law.

The issue is particularly sensitive as it touches on the constitutional right to assemble and comes ahead of Zambia’s August 2026 General Election.

The organisation warns that unclear or restrictive enforcement of public gathering rules could affect political participation for parties, independent candidates, civil society groups, and civic educators during the campaign period.

It further notes that women in politics may be disproportionately affected, given existing barriers such as economic limitations, discrimination, and intimidation in public spaces.

NGOCC has since called on government to clarify when the Bill was assented to and to explain why no formal public announcement was made.

It has also urged the Zambia Police Service to ensure that enforcement of the law is lawful, consistent, and non-discriminatory.

The organisation further calls on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to maintain neutrality and ensure compliance with electoral regulations as political activity intensifies.

NGOCC says clarity on the law is urgently needed to prevent confusion and to safeguard constitutional rights during the electoral period.