members of the parties involved This situation was addressed by the shutting down of All political party ownedradio stations.In relation to access to the television, the Constitution prohibits the ownership of a television station other than the government or any person or body authorised by the president. Section 6 of the Independent Media Commission (amendment) Act of 2007 provides that a television licence shall be granted to only a citizen or body cooperate established by an act of parliament, a partnership registered under the Business Registration Act of 19838, an international rely station. The activities of the government owned Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation, established by Act No. 1 of 2010 are regulated by the Act and monitored by the Independent Media Commission. All individuals including political parties however do have access to the use of this medium of communication as long as such use is not contrary to law including the constitution. All individuals including Political parties do have equal access to the print media. Another independent international (Nigerian) rely station started operations in October 2012 and also gives unhindered access. Concerning this right, there have been decided cases in court against individuals and members of the press. These include the cases of Paul Kamara, Sylvia Blyden and Fatmata Hassan V. Yansaneh. At present, there is a Freedom of Information Bill awaiting enactment by Parliament which, when promulgated would give the right to access information from public institutions. Article 10 Every individual shall have the right to free association provided that he abides by the law. Subject to the obligation of solidarity provided for in Article 29, no one may be compelled to join an association. Legal framework The principal law guaranteeing the right to freedom of association is Section 26(1) of the Constitution. This right includes the right to assemble freely and associate with others and to belong to any political party, trade union or economic, social or professional associations, national or international for the protection of his interest. In addition to the restriction of the right in the interest of public safety, public health and public morality, the constitution further provides that where any law makes provision which imposes restrictions on the establishment of political parties, or regulates the organisation, registration and functioning of political parties and the conduct of its members, such provision shall not be held to be inconsistent with section 26. General practise In Sierra Leone, for an association/organisation to be legally recognised, it must be registered with either the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development or the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs as well as registering with the Ministry with oversight function of the sector it wants to work in. The association/organisation also needs to register with the local council in the District where it plans to operate. The registration process is fair and open to all as long as the operations of the organisation/association is not contrary to law. The Independent Media Commission regulates the formation and registration of media institutions whilst in the case of political parties, registration must be done with the Political Party’s Registration Commission (PPRC) in line with part III of the Political Parties Registration Act of 2002. 8 Act No. 13 14