THE Coalition on the Right to Information (CoRI) is preparing an advocacy strategy to address key issues, including the safety of journalists, in the coming general election scheduled for October this year.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Monday this week during the CEOs' strategy meeting, CoRI Chairman Ernest Sungura said the strategy will also promote media independence and accountability.
“This strategy will enhance the coalition’s efforts to uphold the right to information while encouraging independent, transparent, and accountable media practices,” he said.
He added that stakeholders have discussed several pressing issues, including legal and regulatory frameworks expected to guide the upcoming election.
A key concern raised is the restriction on election supervisors, who are not allowed to speak with journalists without official clearance from relevant authorities.
Sungura emphasized that once the discussions conclude, all stakeholders will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide the coalition’s operations and commitments.
“The ultimate goal of CoRI is to ensure that journalists' safety and the challenges they face are adequately addressed ahead of the elections,” he noted.
Once finalized, the MoU will serve as the foundation for CoRI’s daily activities and collaboration among its member organizations.
Cori is a group of organizations working together to promote and protect the right to access information.
It was established in 2006 to ensure that individuals have access to information held by public authorities, enabling transparency and accountability.
CoRI currently comprises about sixteen organizations, including the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA), Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), Tanzania Media Foundation (TMF), Twaweza, Sikika, and Jamii Africa.
Other were the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Media Owners Association of Tanzania (MOAT), Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa – Tanzania Chapter (MISA-Tan).