Dissent, Advocacy, Engagement—Widespread participation of civil society organizations in lobbying for-and, not uncommonly, drafting-legislation on freedom of information marks not just a general shift in favor of democracy but also a transforming relationship between civil society and the state, writes Helen Darbishire.
Nigeria: Elections Bring New Hope for an Old Bill—Four years ago parliamentary elections in Nigeria generated a wave of support behind a freedom of information bill. Early commitment petered out, however, as politicians apparently decided that talk is cheaper than action. Now, following fresh elections in April, campaigners are gearing up for round two. Edetaen Ojo describes the lessons they take from the last campaign.
The International Freedom of Information Movement—The Decade of Openness has ended-writes Thomas S. Blanton-but only in the United States.
Mexico: The Rise of Social Participation—Democracy in Mexico has been undergoing a transition from secrecy to openness ever since 12 June 2002, when the Federal Freedom of Information Law was enacted. The passage of the law was due in part to a level of intensive civil advocacy rarely before seen in Mexico's core democratic processes, as Issa Luna Pla recounts.