THE Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) on Thursday said it cannot enforce the Freedom of Information Act to enhance public access to information from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) citing its status as an independent commission.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the ZMC plays the role of facilitating public access to information held by public entities, ensuring transparency, accountability and protection of human rights.
According to the Act, any person who wishes to request access to information from any public entity, or the holder of a statutory office may apply in writing to an information officer and should be responded to within 21 days.
When an information officer is deemed to have refused a request for access to information, the applicant may lodge an appeal to the ZMC.
But ZMC executive secretary Godwin Phiri said the Commission cannot enforce the Act on Zec on electoral issues because the electoral body was in charge.
Phiri was responding to questions during the belated commemorations of the International Days of Peace and Democracy hosted in the capital by Gender and Media Connect in partnership with Hivos.
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Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Ellen Shiriyenga had inquired whether ZMC would assist in enforcing compliance with the Freedom of Information Act for Zec to avail information in the public interest which includes access to the voters' roll among other issues.
“When it comes to access to information, it's ZMC that superintends,” Phiri said. “So yes, we will give an order to the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (for instance). When it comes to access to information, all public entities are bound by the orders that we give.
“They have a right to appeal to the High Court if they feel that we have misdirected ourselves. So you will find that independent commissions will have certain areas that they superintend.
“And when it comes to that area where they are in charge, the Zimbabwe Media Commission will then submit. If it is about electoral issues, all of us submit to Zec. So Zec has the overall responsibility. The Act is clear.”
ZMC said it has been conducting an outreach programme to heads of public entities and government departments to conscientise them on the provision of the Freedom of the Information Act.
“We want public entities to be aware that there shall come a time, shortly, where citizens will be knocking at their doors demanding information,” Phiri said.