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Online petition outlines concerns over RTIC head appointment
View(s):A group of senior journalists, activists, attorneys-at-law, former commissioners, and more have submitted an online petition urging the Constitutional Council and the President to appoint a chairperson to the Right to Information Commission based on merit, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to democratic values.
Copies of the petition have been forwarded to the Speaker of Parliament, the President, the Prime Minister, and the leader of the opposition.
The petition notes that the position of chairperson has remained vacant for an extended period, and stresses the importance of selecting a candidate who upholds the highest standards of good governance.
In the petition, the group acknowledges reports that the Constitutional Council is preparing to make a recommendation to fill the vacancy. However, they express concern over whether the selection will reflect the expectations of citizens seeking a shift toward more transparent and accountable governance.
The petitioners emphasise that the Right to Information Commission plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the constitutionally protected right to information. They underline that the appointment of its chairperson should go beyond formal qualifications and consider the individual’s commitment to human rights, transparency, and ethical public service.
Citing the mass public mobilisation for system change in 2022 and recent voting trends, the petition highlights a clear desire among people for reform in political, economic, and cultural spheres. It argues that any appointment to the commission must align with this broader national aspiration for progressive change.
The group calls on the Constitutional Council to take into account the candidates’ track record in defending human rights, promoting free expression, and engaging in democratic practices. They also urge the president to uphold the same standards when confirming the appointment.
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