Access to information law and the stalled 'winds of change' in Zambia

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Periodical article

Title:	Access to information law and the stalled 'winds of change' in Zambia
Author:	Phiri, Sam
Year:	2016
Periodical:	Communicatio: South African journal for communication theory and research (ISSN 1753-5379)
Volume:	42
Issue:	1
Pages:	35-55
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zambia
Subjects:	access to information legislation
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/02500167.2016.1152991
Abstract:	Zambia, like a few other African countries, has been grappling with the adoption of the Access to Information (ATI) law over the past 25 years. This article argues that the Zambian approach towards easing access to public information has been faulty, because it is narrowly focused and this has resulted in the process stalling. The argument is made here, that the ATI law is part of a global social movement towards greater transparency. Furthermore, the article focuses on Zambia's approach to the law, whose push is dominated by executive control, and how that approach has impacted on good governance. The article also discusses how some countries have dealt with similar laws, before concluding that unless Zambia's move towards this law is broadened, whatever may be enacted in the future could be faulty. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract]