PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has declined to assent to the Public Gatherings Bill, saying the legislation is undemocratic and against public interest. The Public Gatherings Bill is among the bills that were passed by the National Assembly in the final days of the last sitting. According to State House, President Hichilema sent back the Bill on 29th May, saying he had reservations to proceed with assent, as laws must strengthen the nation’s democracy and broaden the freedoms enjoyed by citizens. The Public Gatherings Bill stipulated that a person who intends to hold a public gathering shall, at least five days before the proposed date of a public gathering, notify the police and get clearance for the proceedings. The Act further described...