GOVT COMMENDED
…. for successfully passing the Access to Information Bill through Parliament
Lusaka… Thursday,
13th December, 2023
The UPND led Government needs to be commended for successfully passing the Access To Information Bill through Parliament, which is a significant step towards transparency and accountability, Governance Expert and Human Rights Advocate Wesley Miyanda has said.
Mr Miyanda says the Bill which now awaits presidential assent so it can become law, was one of President Haakainde Hichilema’s campaign promises and it is to his delight that it has been fulfilled.
He says this is a step in the right direction in terms of putting to rest numerous strides that have been made by past Governments over the same.
“It is very cardinal for Citizens to know that the passing of ATI Bill and its enactment into law will ease the accessibility of information of public nature from both public and relevant private institutions by the general citizenry with less restrictions or interference from Government. The Bill is meant to benefit current and future generations by bringing about positive flow of information in enhancing democracy and good governance,” he said.
“The passing and enactment of Access To Information Bill was unworkable during the previous regimes and it was ever thrown out of Parliament because some people in those administrations felt it was going to work against them.”
Mr Miyanda reminded Zambians that the national Constitution is a public document which should be accessed by every Citizen just to attain some basic legal understanding and know their fundamental human rights.
“Nonetheless, we wish to implore Government to consider repealing some of the clauses in the Constitution, especially the Public Order Act which may hinder the effective application of ATI Bill and Press Freedom as well as work against some elements in the Bill of Rights,” he concluded.
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