The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental feature of democratic governance. It allows citizens to express concerns, challenge public
decisions, demand accountability, and participate in national dialogue. A peaceful protest is not an act of hostility against the State; it is a legitimate means through which citizens engage with those who exercise public authority.
However, the right to protest exists alongside the State’s responsibility to maintain public order, protect lives and property, and prevent violence. The challenge for any constitutional democracy is therefore to balance the protection of civic freedoms with the need to preserve public safety.