Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Feston Malekezo
Published on 2024-04-05 06:00:32
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has raised concerns about the low number of annual reports being submitted to the Ministry of Information and Parliament by information holders in the country. The Access to Information (ATI) Act requires public institutions to submit these reports as a way of facilitating access to public information.
During an orientation meeting on the ATI Act for commissioners at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in Mzuzu, MHRC Director of Civil and Political Rights, Peter Chisi, expressed his worry about the lack of compliance with reporting requirements. Chisi noted that by 2022, less than 20 percent of institutions were submitting their annual reports. However, after collaboration with the Parliamentary Committee on Media in 2023, there was an increase in compliance, with institutions summoned to Parliament to explain their positions.
The Act specifies that reports must be submitted within three months after the end of the financial year. The Minister of Information is then required to submit an annual report to Parliament covering the activities of information holders in implementing the ATI Act during that year. Despite these regulations, many institutions are unaware of their obligations, according to Chisi.
To address this issue, MHRC is conducting awareness campaigns to educate people and institutions about the requirements of the law. MEC Chairperson, Judge Chifundo Kachale, acknowledged the gaps in meeting the demands of the law but mentioned that the commission had submitted reports to the Minister of Information in the past two financial years.
Kachale emphasized MEC’s commitment to transparency by proactively disseminating information, including publishing their work on websites and traditional media channels. He also mentioned plans to conduct civic and voter education programs to help the public understand their work and engage with electoral processes more effectively.
The ATI Act, which came into effect in September 2020, aims to promote transparency and accountability by ensuring access to public information. Compliance with reporting requirements is crucial to the effective implementation of this legislation. MHRC and other stakeholders are working to raise awareness and support institutions in meeting their obligations under the law.
In conclusion, the submission of annual reports by information holders to the Ministry of Information and Parliament is essential for promoting transparency and accountability in Malawi. Increased compliance with the ATI Act will facilitate greater access to public information and strengthen democratic governance in the country.
Read the original article on The Times
