Unit 2 Questions

Please answer each of the following questions.  If you are taking this course in a group you may then meet to discuss your answers.

1. Is there a Freedom of Information Law in place in your country? Is/Would such a law be useful?
   
   
2. Does the legal framework in your country succeed in preventing corruption? What are the strengths of the legal framework? Where are the weak points? In the extractive industries sector in your country, are there conflicts of interest that occur? Does legal framework have specific regulations against conflicts of interest?
   
   
3. How does parliament open up to the public and ensure greater participation in its practices and procedures, especially regarding extractive industries?
   
   
4. How can the public reach out to parliament? Are there constituency offices? Does parliament disseminate information to communities? How does parliament, and especially the committees dealing with extractive industries issues, know about the demands from citizens on EI?
   
   
5. Which civil society organizations and think tanks are involved in EI issues in your country? What can MPs learn from them? What can they learn from MPs? Is there regular contact and exchange of information between these parties?

Relevant Internet Resources

The Natural Resource Charter: http://www.naturalresourcecharter.org/

Parliamentary Strengthening: http://www.parliamentarystrengthening.org/

Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC):
www.gopacnetwork.org

Select Bibliography

National Democratic Institute (2007) “Transparency and accountability in Africa’s Extractive Industries: The role of the legislature” NDI