Access to information as a foundation of transparency: Brazil and Angola

Abstract

The present study seeks to discuss the mechanisms for disseminating information, such as transparency through references to the Brazilian and Angolan context. The guarantee of dissemination of information to the population in Brazil was provided for in 1988, through the Federal Constitution, in item XXXIII of Chapter I - Individual and Collective Rights and Duties. In Angola, although this right has been enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic since 2002, it has no legal backing, there are no channels for the dissemination of information to be effective. This work aims to compare the mechanisms of dissemination and access to information between Brazil and Angola. We also explore the impact of the political culture of both countries, characterized by patrimonial states, regimes based on absolutism, in guaranteeing the fluidity of information. As for the methodology, it is characterized by exploratory, descriptive and bibliographic research. It was concluded that the mechanisms of dissemination and access to information in Brazil are a milestone in public transparency and democratization. Compared with Angola, Brazil is at an advanced level, with a higher level of acquisition and dissemination of information, but both lack broad and clear information to make the population more interactive in formulations, decisions and public control. Thus, mechanisms for greater popular participation and social control need to be established.