INTRODUCTION Zambia does not yet have legislation that enforces the right of citizens to access information from public offices, although different governments have promised to enact the Access to Information (ATI) Bill. For example, during its 2005 election campaign, the Patriotic Front promised that it would enact the ATI Bill within 90 days. However, despite this and various other promises, the ATI Bill has not yet been passed. In March 2019, Dora Siliya (the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, and also Chief Government Spokesperson), announced that the ATI Bill had been approved by cabinet. It was hoped that the bill would soon after be tabled in parliament and consequently enacted, but this did not happen. In a statement to the country’s National Assembly on 4 November 2019, Dora Siliya stated that the Zambian government planned to introduce a statutory ‘selfregulatory’ framework to ensure that the media operates within the law and curbs incidences of ‘fake news’. The minister’s statement indicated that this new ‘selfregulatory’ law would be a precursor to the enactment of the ATI Bill. During July 2020, the government announced that cabinet had approved the Media Council Bill, the Media Development Policy and the National Information Communication Policy. However, no mention was made regarding the state’s intention to present the ATI Bill to Parliament for enactment. Despite this continued stalling of the ATI Bill, the Zambian Constitution (under article 20) provides for the right of access to information as outlined below: (1) Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to impart and communicate ideas and information without interference, whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons, and freedom from interference with his correspondence. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE It is hoped that the ATI Bill will be enacted in the near future because it is not a media bill, but a law aimed at allowing citizens to know what their government is doing, to fully participate in governance, to hold duty bearers accountable and make informed decisions regarding their personal lives and the future of their nation or community. RATIONALE AND RESEARCH PARAMETERS AIM OF THE STUDY The research sought to assess the levels of transparency of select public organisations in Zambia. Nine organisations were surveyed between 25 June – 31 July 2020. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY y To determine which public organisations provide information to citizens upon request, timeously and with relative ease. y To determine which public organisations utilise online platforms to promote access to information. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, and seeks to evaluate the level of public access to information held by government and public organisations. Each MISA Chapter conducts research by evaluating the websites of government and public organisations along with submitting written requests for information. This method seeks to establish the transparency and efficiency of government and public organisations in providing information to the public. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY y Most public organisations treat public information as though it is a right to be enjoyed by only a few and not the general public. y Many public organisations demand introductory letters from your organisation before being willing to disseminate information. 164 ZAMBIA TRANSPARENCY ASSESSMENT REPORT