SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and supported by other pieces of legislation. Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitution of the Republic of Malawi under Section 35, which states: “Every person shall have the right to freedom of expression.” In addition, media freedom is guaranteed in the constitution under Section 36: “The press shall have the right to report and publish freely in Malawi and abroad, and to be accorded the fullest possible facilities for access to public information.” Specific access to information legislation has not yet been passed in Malawi, however. Also, there is no other legislation in the country that supports this guarantee of freedom of expression and the media. In fact, there are numerous laws that limit these freedoms. 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: 12 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALAWI 2012 3.6 (2010 = 3.3; 2008 = 3.9; 2006 = 2.5)