SECTOR 1 suing of the late Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini by the person who designed his retirement home was purposefully made difficult by authorities. For ordinary citizens – particularly those in rural communities – accessing information is difficult, particularly through electronic media. In addition, there are areas where television (TV) and radio broadcast signals cannot be received and as such, the citizens are not privy to the information being shared. Additionally, the public media can be selective of the issues they cover, thereby denying citizens access to public information that should receive coverage. Access to the government gazette can be restrictive for ordinary citizens seeking information on policies and legislation, both regarding cost (with a copy of a gazette issue costing around 40 E (3 USD) and language, as the gazette is published only in English. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: ✓ ✓✓✓✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ 1.5 (2005: 1.3; 2007: 1.1; 2009: 1.2; 2011: 1.2; 2014: 1.3) 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission from, state authorities Online publications or digital media platforms are not required to register with or obtain permission from state authorities. ‘There were political pronouncements about people talking too freely on the internet and some MPs have said that maybe laws in this regard should be considered, but to date, there are no laws in this regard.’ 17 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ESWATINI 2018