BCP supports 'Info' motion

MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent | Friday July 25, 2008 00:00

 

At the end of its fourth national congress held at Matshekge Hill School in Bobonong, the BCP said it would actively campaign for the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act and at the same time oppose the proposed media bill.

'The congress has resolved that the party must actively campaign for the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act and oppose attempts by the government to restrict media freedom through legislation geared at enforcing government control of the media,' said the party's Secretary General, Taolo Lucas. BCP President, Gilson Saleshando, said the proposed Media Practitioners' Bill i s unacceptable in its form as it gives the Minister of Communication, Science and Technology unlimited powers to regulate the media.

'This Bill, together with the intelligence service law could seriously affect access to information and ultimately erode civil liberties and the rule of law,' Saleshando argued.

He said Botswana should be instituting a Freedom of Information Act 'which is long overdue before even thinking about this type of legislations'. He said media practitioners the world over are allowed to self regulate just like lawyers, doctors and real estate professionals.

The BCP said it had noted that the BDP government was opposed to the introduction of a disclosure of assets and liabilities law for the political leadership and civil servants.
Lucas said the party believes that this promotes corrupt practices. The BCP resolved to sensitise the public about the need for a disclosure of assets law.