Democratic Party Submission on: Topic 6: Freedom of Expression, Topic 7: Right of Access to Information

Submission by the Democratic Party to Theme committee 4 on Fundamental Rights with regard to Freedom of Expression and Right of Access to Information. The submission deals with content and application of these rights. The DP strongly supports a constitutional guarantee of free speech in the widest possible terms. A limitations’ clause is also discussed, the DP believes that the constitution framers should avoid applying a wide basis of restrictions to free speech. The DP also believes that the right to information should be constitutionally secured. They suggest that the current provisions are too narrow and restrictive because it makes the right to information dependent on such access being necessary for the protection of other rights. The submission also includes proposals for the wording in the constitution.