Media workers in Zambia have again demanded enactment of the Freedom of Information Bill, more than two years after the proposed law was withheld for “wider consultation”.
Press Association of Zambia Vice President Amos Chanda told IRIN on Tuesday that journalists would lobby for the bill to be brought before the current session of parliament, which began earlier this month.
– There is a misconception that journalists want to use the legislation either to gain access to state secrets or to undermine the government. But this is not true, as the law is aimed at benefiting all Zambian citizens, including politicians, Chanda said.
In the wake of the terror attacks on the US in September 2001, authorities in Zambia were reluctant to pass a law they feared could compromise national security, Chanda explained.
The bill, if passed, would compel public officials to release information being sought, and enable a petitioner to go to court if the official refused.
Chanda noted that journalists found it “extremely” difficult to operate in the current environment.
– Most of the information needed is centralised. Officials in rural areas are unable to give out information to journalists, even though they are best placed to answer specific questions. They are forced to refer queries to Lusaka (the capital), where you find that the officials are unaware of issues on the ground, he said.
Journalists have had an uphill battle to convince public officers of the merits of the proposed legislation.
Fanwell Chembo, a director of the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) in Zambia, said one of the challenges was the “ignorance” surrounding the law.
– Not many people, including politicians, are aware of the benefit of the bill. President (Levy) Mwanawasa has carried out a commendable campaign to rid the country of corruption, and this law will help his efforts – no longer will politicians from the ruling party or the opposition be able to hide, Chembo told IRIN.
He said MISA would embark on a countrywide campaign to raise awareness among Zambians about the “usefulness” of the bill.
– The first step is: ensure that those in parliament are conversant with the bill and its implications; thereafter, through community radio stations and other civil society groups, sensitise the wider community about their right to information. It is important that people know that they can request information from the state and make use of the information to plan their lives, Chembo added.
Chanda called on the government to make consultation on the bill public to dispel suspicion over the current process, which has so far excluded members of civil society.
Kilde: FN-bureauet IRINnews
