IT IS always pleasing to witness a Head of State demonstrating that he has listened to the wishes and concerns of the citizens he leads. Leadership is not merely about exercising authority; it is also about hearing the voices of the people and responding when those voices are united on a matter of national importance. For this reason, President Hakainde Hichilema deserves commendation for declining to assent to the Public Gatherings Bill. President Hichilema has stated that the Bill was inconsistent with democratic principles, judicial precedents and the constitutional rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution. We agree with that assessment. More importantly, we welcome the courage it took to return the Bill to Parliament despite it...