MALAWI n = 20 Yes No Partial Additional information X 4. Copies of reports, policies or programmes? 5. Information on budget and expenditure? X 6. Information about procurement procedures or signed contracts? X 7. Information about vacancy and employment procedures? X 8. The address, telephone number, and working hours of the organisation? X 9. The contact details of specific public officials? X 10. A mechanism to request and receive responses to electronic messages and requests for information? X Total score: 12/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture: What notable actions has the ministry undertaken to ensure local councils have the requisite skills to generate and manage financial resources? Some audit reports have shown that local councils abuse funds. What steps has the ministry taken to ensure that councils are transparent and accountable? What notable policy achievements has the ministry registered in the past five years? What was the proposed budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture for the 2022-2023 national budget and how much has been disbursed to the ministry? What are some culture-related initiatives that the ministry is currently implementing? y y y y y n = 20 Yes No 1. Is there an official, who is designated to take and respond to information requests? X 2. Did the organisation reply within 21 days? X 3. Did the organisation respond to the request for information? X 4. Does the organisation publish their procedures for handling information requests? X 5. Did the organisation provide all of the requested information? X 6. Did the organisation provide written reasons for the refusal of information? X 7. Did the organisation disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure, etc. X 8. Did the authority provide information without questioning the aims and motivations of the applicant? X 9. Did the organisation acknowledge the request for information within 7 days? X 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? Partial Additional information The public relations officer is also the information officer. X There was no response. Total score: 4/20 51