MALAWI 8. Did the institution disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure etc? • 9. Did the institution acknowledge your request for information within 7 days? • 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? • Total Score: 6/20 8. The Malawi National Assembly Category 1 - WEBSITE http://www.parliament.gov.mw/index.php At the time when this research was being conducted, the Malawi National Assembly had its website running. Some of the information on the website was out of date i.e. the latest hansard on the website was the one for the 39th Session, 3rd Meeting, Monday, May 2007. The National Assembly website, however, had good information on policies, contact details, institutional structure, laws, and some reports. Budgets and information about procurement procedures and contracts were not available on the website. n = 20 Yes No Partial • 1. Does this website contain up to date information? Additional Information There are no reports or banner on the current sitting of parliament. 2. Does the website contain: a) A description of its powers as well as data on the organisational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? • b) A list of laws, acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers. • c) Reports, policies, programs? • d) Budget and expenditure? • e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? • f) Vacancies and employment procedures? • g) The name, the address, the telephone number and the working hours of the respective institution? • h) The contact details of public officials? • i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? • They use a webmaster outlook – a facility that facilitates interactivity with stakeholders. Total Score: 14/20 Category 2- Requests for Information The following questions were sent to the Malawi National Assembly: 1. Parliament was recently in the limelight after its Chief Security Officer attacked a reporter for allegedly taking pictures of the officer without permission. What measures has the assembly put in place to check a repeat of what happened? 2. Does Parliament have any in house policies outlining how the body handles or engages the media? 3. If yes. Would you be in a position to share the policy with MISA Malawi? 4. What are some of the challenges that hamper Parliaments’ effective engagement with the media? 5. What is the current budget for Parliament? 6. Is the money enough for the body’s operations? 7. Would you provide MISA Malawi with the Assembly’s policies and budget structures? 36