Speaking out, information and elections
Freedom of expression, access to information, peaceful protest and voting.
Freedom of expression
- You are free to say what you think, and to look for, get, and share information and ideas.
Art. 33(1)(a)
(a) freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas;
Read the full article → - You are free to make art, and to study and do research.
Art. 33(1)(b)
(b) freedom of artistic creativity; and
Read the full article → - But you may not use words to spread war, violence, or hate.
Art. 33(2)
(2) The right to freedom of expression does not extend to— (a) propaganda for war; (b) incitement to violence; (c) hate speech; or (d) advocacy of hatred that— (i) constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others or incitement to cause harm; or (ii) is based on any ground of discrimination specified or contemplated in Article 27(4).
Read the full article → - When you speak, you must still respect other people's rights and good name.
Art. 33(3)
(3) In the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, every person shall respect the rights and reputation of others.
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- You can say what you feel. You can ask questions and tell others what you learn.
Art. 33(1)(a)
(a) freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas;
Read the full article → - You can draw, sing, and make things. You can learn and find out new things.
Art. 33(1)(b)
(b) freedom of artistic creativity; and
Read the full article → - But you must not use words to hurt people or start fights.
Art. 33(2)
(2) The right to freedom of expression does not extend to— (a) propaganda for war; (b) incitement to violence; (c) hate speech; or (d) advocacy of hatred that— (i) constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others or incitement to cause harm; or (ii) is based on any ground of discrimination specified or contemplated in Article 27(4).
Read the full article → - Be kind with your words, because other people matter too.
Art. 33(3)
(3) In the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, every person shall respect the rights and reputation of others.
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Access to information
- You have the right to see information held by the government.
Art. 35(1)(a)
(a) information held by the State; and
Read the full article → - You can get information you need in order to use or protect your rights.
Art. 35(1)(b)
(b) information held by another person and required for the exercise or protection of any right or fundamental freedom.
Read the full article → - If something untrue is said about you, you can ask for it to be corrected or removed.
Art. 35(2)
(2) Every person has the right to the correction or deletion of untrue or misleading information that affects the person.
Read the full article → - The government must tell the public about important matters that affect the country.
Art. 35(3)
(3) The State shall publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation.
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- You can ask grown-ups in government questions, and they should tell you the truth.
Art. 35(1)(a)
(a) information held by the State; and
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Assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition
- You can gather, march or protest peacefully, as long as you are not carrying weapons.
Art. 37
Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
Read the full article → - You can present your complaints and petitions to the government.
Art. 37
Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
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- You can walk together with other people to show what you think, if you are peaceful and no one carries a weapon.
Art. 37
Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.
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Political rights
- You are free to join or form a political party.
Art. 38(1)(a)
(a) to form, or participate in forming, a political party;
Read the full article → - Every citizen has the right to free and fair elections.
Art. 38(2)
(2) Every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections based on universal suffrage and the free expression of the will of the electors for— (a) any elective public body or office established under this Constitution; or (b) any office of any political party of which the citizen is a member.
Read the full article → - As an adult citizen, you can register to vote.
Art. 38(3)(a)
(a) to be registered as a voter;
Read the full article → - Your vote is by secret ballot.
Art. 38(3)(b)
(b) to vote by secret ballot in any election or referendum; and
Read the full article → - You can be a candidate for public office if you meet the requirements.
Art. 38(3)(c)
(c) to be a candidate for public office, or office within a political party of which the citizen is a member and, if elected, to hold office.
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- When you grow up, you can choose who leads, and your vote is a secret.
Art. 38(3)(b)
(b) to vote by secret ballot in any election or referendum; and
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