TANZANIA DETAILED FINDINGS 1. Parliament of Tanzania (known as Bunge in Swahili) CATEGORY 1: WEBSITE www.parliament.go.tz This is one of the most updated websites. The website is in English, but information can be obtained in either of the two national languages – Swahili and English. However, the Constitutional Assembly website is only in Swahili, and can be accessed at http://www. bungemaalum.go.tz/. n = 20 Yes No Partial Additional Information s Various reports and National Assembly/Bunge reports from 2014 a) A description of its powers, as well as data on the organisational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? s Well-described structures that serve Parliament and the public. The mandate of Parliament and the responsibilities of the administration are outlined. b) A list of laws, Acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers? s c) Reports, policies, programs? s 1. Does this website contain up to date information? 2. Does the website contain the following: Parliamentary reports posted s d) Budget and expenditure? s e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? Tender notices are on the site but the signed contracts are not posted f) Vacancy and employment procedures? s Vacancy notices are there, and the procedures are shown in the vacancy announcements g) The name and address, telephone number, and the working hours of the respective institution? s There is some detailed information, but no working hours are shown h) The contact details of public officials? s The contact details of the clerk of the assembly and private assistant are shown i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? s There is an email address and a dialog box to post questions to MPs Total Score: 17/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to the Parliament of Tanzania: 1. There are reports and incidences of members of Parliament using immunity in the house to attack those individuals who cannot afford to be there to defend themselves. How is your office addressing this matter? 2. There have been concerns and complaints with regard to the mechanism of reaching a decision by the speaker when asking a YES or NO question over a subject under discussion. Do you think this is a fair method, and if not, is your office considering another method such as hand voting to reach a decisive judgment on a particular matter? 3. What is the annual budget of Parliament? Can citizens access the budget? 4. Citizens have had concerns over what our representatives earn; salaries and entitlements. As a result there has been inaccurate information as to how much they earn. Could your office supply me with this information? 5. How does the house ensure the proper use of the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund by Parliamentarians? Do you receive complaints of any misuse of the funds? 93