Africa-Press – Lesotho. Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho sensitized political parties on access to information during political party campaigns as to alleviate boundaries between
political leaders and the media. “Information should be made available to the public proactively by political leaders, they should publish key information of public interest about their structure, functions,
powers, decision making processes, decisions and revenue. Duty to create, keep, organize, maintain and manage information. Accessing information must be
simple, quick and affordable,” said MISA Lesotho Treasure Pulane Ntjantja speaking at the workshop. She said the aim of the workshop is to guide the media personnel on how to gather information and present it accordingly to the
public. Ntjantja pleaded with the political party leaders to provide the information that is well reasoned and premised on existing international, regional standards and best practices on
access to information. Ntjantja said political parties should proactively disclose for public knowledge, constitution, names of registered members, criteria for election or selection of candidates, process for dispute
resolutions and the relevant appeal mechanisms for public participation and monitoring of the nomination process as well as proceedings and names of party
agents. She urged that political parties should disclose assets, investments, membership subscriptions and donations to prevent the abuse of state resources, she said they must adopt laws
requiring the disclosure of information on the use of human, financial and institutional resources of the state. She noted that the means of disseminating information traditionally should be complemented by latest
means, “the old means include, press conference, radio and television programmes, press releases, political rallies, door to door campaigns. New means includes being interactive on social media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
WhatsApp, Email, Mobile political campaigns; SMS, political party applications and mobile voice call,” Ntjantja revealed. Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Hon.
Tsoinyane Rapapa said access to information is every individuals concern and a right to know what is happening especially when the country is looking forward to national elections in 2022.
“Majority of parties lack transparency and because of that the public loose
hope. Elections come at the challenging times of Covid-19 therefore it is expected from us to produce fair, proper, well presented elections, it is rightful for leaders to pave communication process with the public.
Journalists are also expected to do their work perfectly and without hindrance,” Tsoinyane stated. He noted that Access of Information Act 2021 has been presented before the parliament, saying it will
assist journalist to share an informed content. He noted that a good governance grows the country’s economy and develop the country. He also commanded journalists to stop reporting false information and urged politicians to stop bribing media houses and journalists for disinformation.
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