Mozambique Access to information is constitutionally protected in Mozambique, and the government has ratified five of the six African Union treaties recognising the right to access to information. Information is a powerful tool in empowering people in their interaction with both public and private institutions and [the ATI Bill] goes a long way in ensuring that goal is achieved. The Bill, which will oblige public bodies and private bodies invested with public powers to release information upon request, has been on the policy agenda since 2005 when MISA Mozambique facilitated a media seminar that crafted the framework for a draft Bill. It seeks to create greater transparency and generate public participation in Mozambique, however it has also been the subject of some criticism with respect to whether it adequately enforces the right in all its dimensions. The Bill imposes a duty on public and some private bodies to “make available information of public interest in their power, publishing it through legally permitted channels, which can make it increasingly accessible to citizens”. The only requirement on people requesting information is that they identify themselves; they will not need to explain 46 So This is Democracy? 2014 what they want to do with the information. Requested information must be provided within 21 days. The passing of this Bill is an important step in the process of strengthening the democratic process in Mozambique. The Bill has weaknesses, in that it does not provide for an independent mechanism to oversee its implementation or to handle complaints from the public, but it is definitely a first step in the right direction. However, it is now important to focus on effectively implementing the law to bring into our system of governance the notion that public institutions should be accountable to the public. Information is a powerful tool in empowering people in their interaction with both public and private institutions and this law goes a long way in ensuring that goal is achieved. BROADCASTING Mozambique lacks an Independent Regulatory Authority to ensure public broadcasting serves the people. The independence of public broadcasters are further hampered by a dependence on direct government funding, in the form of program contracts with the Ministry of Finance. Public broadcasting organisations have come under increasing criticism due to their type of political coverage. Both Radio Mozambique and Mozambique Television have been accused of promoting partial coverage that is biased towards the ruling part Frelimo and its government. For example, during the 2014 general elections the opposition Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) submitted a complain to the Higher Council of the Media, claiming that Mozambique Television’s program-