Botswana Freedom of Information Partly Free- Afrobarometer

 

 

 

The University of Botswana Department of Political Science and Administration Studies, and Afrobarometer Investigator Professor Mpho Molomo presenting on survey results.

The University of Botswana Department of Political Science and Administration Studies, and Afrobarometer Investigator Professor Mpho Molomo said Batswana strongly support the public right to access to information held by public authorities at all levels.

Professor Molomo revealed during presentation of Afrobarometer 2017 Survey results on November 21, 2017 at University of Botswana Library Auditorium. He said results from the study also suggest that two thirds Batswana disagree with the idea information held by public authorities is only for use by government officials and should be shared with the public. Professor Molomo also explained that freedom of information is very crucial to citizens because is a cornerstone of liberal democratic frame work.

“It is a prerequisite for an informed citizenry capable of holding its government accountable because the individuals will be able to participate effectively in decision making and access the performance of their government. People can have information which enable them debate, question and judge individuals decision which strengthen accountability of public bodies to the individuals” said Professor Molomo.

Professor Molomo also revealed that a democratic society requires a free flow of information and ideas, whether between citizens in private communication or in public discourse involving civil society and political parties which he viewed as challenged to Botswana.

“In Botswana the constitution provides for free speech and a free press, efforts to legally protect citizens rights to privacy in communication (such as mobile phones) and to obtain information held by public authorities have not advanced” said professor Molomo.

He also revealed that there have been some cases of some journalists been harassment and intimidated. Revealing more results of the survey Professor Molomo also said majority of Batswana endorsed freedom of information in the media right to publish without government interference. He added that media is play very important role in democracy by keeping the citizens knowledgeable and holding government accountable by combating corruption.

“The results on the study indicates that even media two thirds of Batswana strongly agree that media should have the right to publish any views or ideas without  government censorship”|said Professor Molomo.

He also noted that the latest survey shows majority of Batswana also endorse individual right to private communication without government monitoring and many seeing growing in freedom for opposition political parties and civil society.

He concluded that Batswana have suffered attacks on media freedom and has so far failed to legally protect citizen right to privacy in communication and access to government information survey finding suggest that Batswana endorsed these freedoms as well as free media as essential to an informed citizenry and an accountable government.

On the other hand UB Department Political and Administration Studies and Afrobarometer Investigator Professor Mogopodi Lekome urged Professor Mokomo and colleagues to encourage malty disciplinary of the data for the public to have a better understanding of the information. He also argued that local media dwell too much negative publication rather than positive issues which leads to loss of confidence on the government by the people.

In responding to his augment University of Botswana Department of Statistics and member of Afrobarometer Professor Zibani Maundeni and Professor Molomo shared the same response by saying the study meant for every Motswana to hear their views and opinions not a selective group of people to avoid biasness. In addition to that Professor Molomo responded back by saying the study is also disaggregated in gender, age education, location and others to have a better understanding of Botswana views and opinion across the country.