The #MbungeLive screenings involved a public display of a 45-minute documentary on an MP's role and performance, conducted from April to September 2019 before local government elections. The documentaries were produced in 17 constituencies, and included a balance of MPs from all major political parties with representation in Parliament and a balance of male and female MPs. Each show focused on the local MP's accountability to their constituency by describing the issues prevalent in the constituency, the promises made by the MP during the previous (2015) elections, and the extent to which the MP has fulfilled these promises. They also described MP’s constitutional roles and responsibilities and included interviews with residents of the constituency and the MP. The show was publicly displayed in selected wards in each constituency. The purpose of the shows was to promote dialogue and understanding between citizens and their MPs and to encourage citizens to hold their MPs to account for their performance. But the major objective was to influence MP behaviour – to make MPs more accessible and responsive to their constituents, through the accountability pressure of a public show and consequent changes in expectations among citizens. It was partly prompted by the decision taken in 2016 to stop live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings.
This brief presents findings from a survey of citizens' knowledge and attitude towards their MP before and after watching the documentary. How did the experience alter citizens' understanding of their MP's actions or attitude towards the MP's performance? And more generally, how did citizens perceive the role of MPs and their performance? Did they feel like their MP listens to their concerns? [...] Key findings include: After watching the documentary, constituents are more likely to say their MP is willing to fulfil these promises. After watching the documentary, constituents are more likely to say their MP listens to citizens' opinions and concerns. After watching the documentary, constituents are more optimistic about whether their MP has fulfilled their promises. After watching the documentary, constituents felt much better informed about the promises made by their MP prior to the 2015 election. Most constituents have never contacted their MP either in person or through the phone. Constituents like to see their MP representing their interests in Parliament but are unsure how much this happens. Constituents don't distinguish between the MP and the government generally; MPs are seen as responsible for implementation of service delivery. Constituents expect their MPs to collaborate more with other local stakeholders. Constituents feel that their MPs are largely absent from the constituency. Constituents would like to hear more from their MP directly on the work they have been doing (Introduction, pages 2-4)