Survey shows 80 per cent of Tanzanians want live coverage of Bunge
What you need to know:
The findings were released by Twaweza in a research brief titled #BungeLive. The brief is based on data from Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey.
The findings are based on data collected from 1,815 respondents across Mainland Tanzania between March 29 and April 12, 2016.
Dar es Salaam. Nearly eighty per cent of Tanzanians are strongly opposed to the decision by the government to ban live coverage of parliamentary sessions, a new survey shows.
Majority of citizens reached by Twaweza said Bunge debate sessions should be broadcast live coverage, especially via television and radio stations irrespective of the costs.
They believe that Parliament business is as important as other issues in their lives.
The findings were released by Twaweza in a research brief titled #BungeLive. The brief is based on data from Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey.
The findings are based on data collected from 1,815 respondents across Mainland Tanzania between March 29 and April 12, 2016.
The people even advised the government to allow privately-run media to broadcast live sessions in the august House if the State cannot foot the bill.
The correspondents reached under the survey opined that via live coverage they could monitor the efficiency of their representatives in the House.
In January this year, Information minister Nape Nnauye announced in Parliament the government’s decision to halt live coverage of Bunge debate sessions citing cost concerns.
The decision was received with strong criticisms, especially from the Opposition MPs and other media stakeholders. Following the move, seven Opposition lawmakers late last month were expelled from the House for different lengths of period over what was referred as violating Standing Orders during the January sessions.
