SECTOR 1 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: 2.6 (2005: 2.8; 2007: 3.1; 2009: 2.9) 1.12 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. There is rarely any meaningful public consultation around legislation in general. “There is consultation. There has to be. But our input is often ignored.” Consultation on the Communications Bill was a long, drawn-out process, but when people raised objections to sections of the bill, they were not taken seriously. It was pointed out that parts of the bill violated sections of the Constitution. Following public outcry about the interception centres, the National Council (the second chamber of parliament) called for further consultations, but these were limited to Windhoek “as it was seen as a political issue”. MISA’s submissions on the Communications Bill were detailed and addressed many issues, while the media fraternity focussed on clauses dealing with interception of communication. “We were made to understand that things would change, but they did not. All along we felt that there would be a progressive Communications Act, but when it actually came into force, it was not. Government legitimised the process through consultation, but it had little impact on the law itself.” 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NAMIBIA 2011