Centre LSD, OPG condemn ‘obnoxious bill’ by national assembly to scuttle transparency

The workshop concluded with a strong condemnation of legislative proposals that threaten constitutional rights, specifically the Freedom of Information Act and the right to associate. Participants identified these "obnoxious bills" as direct violations of fundamental freedoms, signaling a critical moment where legal frameworks must protect transparency rather than restrict it. This stance underscores the necessity of safeguarding open data laws against political interference, ensuring that citizens retain the right to access information and organize freely. A central theme was the necessity of genuine partnership between government and civil society within the Open Government Partnership. Rather than viewing these groups as adversaries, the attendees emphasized that joint implementation of the National Action Plan is essential for success. This collaborative model is crucial for maintaining accountability and ensuring that government commitments to transparency are not just rhetorical but are actively executed through shared responsibility and unified stances against attempts to dilute civil society influence. The broader relevance to open data lies in the push for improved governance and resource efficiency through public accountability. By holding the government to its OGP commitments and utilizing existing laws to access public information, civil society can drive better public finance management and attract investment. This approach transforms open data from a technical requirement into a tool for systemic change, fostering a culture where transparency leads to tangible improvements in integrity, development, and citizen trust.

Source: quicknews-africa.net
Published on 2025-12-14

Centre LSD, OPG condemn ‘obnoxious bill’ by national assembly to scuttle transparency

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