RATIONALE AND RESEARCH PARAMETERS INTRODUCTION Access to information enables citizens to make informed decisions and fully participate in democratic processes. This right to information is enshrined in the Constitution of Malawi, provided for in Sections 36 and 37, as follows: y Section 36: The press shall have the right to report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad, and to be accorded the fullest possible facilities for access to public information. y Section 37: Every person shall have the right of access to all information held by the State or any of its organs at any level of government in so far as such information is required for the exercise of his rights. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to assess the state of access to information in Malawi. Specifically, it sought to examine the level of openness and ability of public organisations to provide requested information. Ten organisations were surveyed between June and August 2020. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY However, despite this, Malawians still struggle to access public information. Secrecy and withholding of public information seems to be common practice among public organisations. To determine which organisations (both government and public) provide information to citizens upon request, timeously and with relative ease. y To determine which organisations (both government and public) 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. In 2014, Malawi adopted the National Access to Information Policy and in 2016, the national assembly passed the Access to Information (ATI) Bill. The bill was assented by former President Peter Mutharika in February 2017, but since then no date has been set for the operationalisation of the act by the Minister of Information. However, on a positive note, the current President Lazarus Chakwera and the new Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, have separately promised to ensure that the act is operationalised. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY In the meantime, MISA Malawi has been implementing different programmes aimed at making both general citizens and public officers understand the importance of an ATI Act in social accountability and the consolidation of democracy. The initiatives implemented include community dialogue sessions, district interface meetings, radio programmes and the training of information officers. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE y 62 y Some public organisations requested justification from the researcher as to the reasons for requesting information. y The culture of secrecy serves as a barrier to access of information. MALAWI TRANSPARENCY ASSESSMENT REPORT