change and party supporters are no longer allowed to attend the press conferences. This has made the conferences less hostile. Mutharika has also created optimism in the sector with repeated pledges and commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression, including creating a favourable environment for journalists. FREE EXPRESSION AND THE LAW Un-constitutional anti-press laws continue to threaten media freedom As stated in past reports on Malawi media, over a dozen archaic, anti-press laws still remain on the country’s statute books – in sharp contradiction with the post-single-party Republican Constitution, which clearly provide for media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information. Some of these laws include the Official Secrets Act (1913), the Printed Publications Act (1947) and the Censorship and Control of Entertainments Act (1968) as well as the Protected Flags, Emblems and Names Act, which past administrations have applied to silence critics. The Protected Flags, Emblems and Names Act still quotes a fine in Pound Sterling (1000 Pounds, about MK660, 000) and not Malawi kwacha, an element that supports the argument that this law is archaic and needs to be reviewed, 51 years after independence. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has promised to amend and/or repeal laws that limit freedom of expression, including signing the Declaration of Table Mountain, but such promises are not new and nothing might be done as was the case with Joyce Banda who promised the same immediately after assuming office in 2012. Though most of these laws appear harmless, their presence alone remains a cause for concern be- cause they have a chilling effect on both journalists and civil society actors. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Victory as cabinet adopts ATI policy The campaign on Access to Information (ATI) triumphed with the adoption of an ATI Policy by cabinet in January 2014. The adoption of the policy signalled a new chapter in the ATI campaign and provides a framework for enacting and implementing an ATI regime. The policy also makes it imperative for government to adopt ATI legislation. Among other key priority areas, the policy provides for enactment of the ATI Bill, awareness campaigns on ATI, systematic records management and coordination in government departments and ministries. Apart from the adoption of the policy, it is important to note the draft ATI Bill is now formally with the Ministry of Justice. This is a key development in the campaign and ought to be commended. Since the campaign started in 2003, no government department or ministry had come in the open to own the process and take responsibility. We now have direction and we are able to monitor progress. It is important to also note that MISA Malawi made ATI a campaign issue during the 2014 Tripartite Elections and capitalised on the presidential debates to confirm commitments from the candidates to enact legislation on ATI once in power. The DPP actually committed in its manifesto to ensure Malawi has ATI legislation. Section 180 of the DPP manifesto reads: ‘We recognize that access to information is a major challenge… In this regard, the DPP government will pass and implement the Access to Information bill.’ So This is Democracy? 2014 39