Zambia mulls overhauling law on public gatherings

The Zambian government said on Thursday that it will consider overhauling a controversial law that governs public gatherings and processions in the country, state media reported.

Stakeholders have expressed concern over the selective application of the Public Order Act which they feel was being abused by the police to stop opposition political parties from exercising their rights to assembly.

The country's main opposition party, the United Party for National Development, has in recent weeks being denied permission to hold rallies by the police using the law.

Stakeholders have been calling for the leveling of the playing field in the application of the law.

Chief Government Spokesperson Kampamba Mulenga said the government was currently holding consultations with stakeholders on the way forward regarding the controversial law following increased complaints.

The consultations were meant to come up with better ways of applying the law, she added.

She however could not reveal when the review process will commence, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation. Endit