… the new Public Gathering Act aligns with the constitutional provisions…
The Editor Zambia
INSINUATIONS by some misguided opposition leaders that the new Public Gathering Act (PGA) law is more restrictive than the current Public Order Act (POA) are misleading and meant to hoodwink unsuspecting Zambians. 
On 11th May 2026, the Parliament passed the Public Gathering Bill, 2026, which is designed to repeal and replace the archaic Public Order Act of 1955.
The new piece of legislation is aimed at aligning with constitutional rights and seeks to move away from a “permission-based system” regime to a “notification” system for public gatherings.
The new Act explicitly guarantees the right of journalists to cover public gatherings without interference and outlines protections for political parties to meet with their electorates.
However, propagandists are out there misleading and misinforming the public over the new law.
The new Act has attracted a lot of debate with the opposition resorting to misleading the public that private meetings of three people will now need a permit. This is a lie.
For starters, contrary to what opposition leaders are saying, the new law excludes organisers of social events from notifying the police.
Registered churches, traditional ceremonies, indoor meetings of companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions, or any other registered organisation are exempted from notifying the police of such events.
The new PGA also exempts indoor meetings of political parties held in accordance with its constitution from notifying the police.
Again, this is what the opposition will not highlight.
Organisers of social events like funerals or weddings are not required to notify the police under the new Act, whereas the 1955 Act was broad and often abused to restrict such gatherings.
The notification timeframe has been reduced. The notice period for a public gathering is reduced from seven (7) days in the 1955 Act to five (5) days in the 2026 Bill.
The Appeals Process has now been extended to the High Court. The 2026 Act provides a clearer appeal process through the high court rather than only appealing to a minister who is part of the executive, which was seen as biased.
The 2026 Act aims to eliminate the permission (permit) regime where police could deny gatherings, moving towards a notification system where police are tasked with regulating and facilitating, not approving.
The new Act exempts Members of Parliament (MPs), Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Councilors from needing to seek permission to hold meetings in line with their work in their respective communities.
The new Act also provides for law enforcement agencies and the police to respond to deadlines.
The law requires an authorising officer to acknowledge receipt of the notice within 24 hours. Failure to do so will mean the notice is deemed received.
The new law also forbids carrying of the fire arm at a public gathering. This is to ensure guaranteed safety for everyone.
Law-abiding citizens have nothing to worry about or fear in the new public gathering Act. Only architects of political violence and law breakers will live in fear of the new law.
