THE new code of ethics for parliamentarians tabled last
week in the National Assembly by Kuwadzana East MP Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T)
carries stringent requirements binding MPs to even declare their foreign trips.
“Interests to be disclosed include the undertaking of all
travel abroad (including a brief description of the journey and sponsor) other
than personal visits paid for entirely by the MP himself or herself, business
visits unrelated to the member’s role as a public representative, or formal
visits paid for by the member’s political party, provided that a registrable
visit may be entered in the confidential part of the register,” part of the
code reads.
MPs are also supposed to declare receipt and source of a
pension of any description, whether funded privately or publicly, provided that
the value must be disclosed in the confidential part of the register.
Chamisa, who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Code of
Conduct and Ethics, said the new regulations were based on seven principles of
selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and
leadership.
MPs are supposed to disclose how they make public
appointments, award contracts, recommend individuals for benefit, their land
and property, consultancies, directorship and partnerships, and other
employment outside Parliament.
MPs are also supposed to declare the number, nature,
nominal value and company in which they hold any type of shares in any public
or private company, provided that propriety interests held in any other
corporate body recognised by law must be disclosed in the confidential part of
the register.
On sponsorship, they must declare the source, description
and extent of the provision of the financial sponsorships or assistance directly
to an MP from non-party sources.
“MPs must declare the receipt, description value and source
of any gift with a value in excess of $4 500, or gifts from a single source
which cumulatively exceed the value of $4 500, including such gifts and hospitality
from an external source to a spouse, permanent companion or dependent child of
an MP, provided that personal gifts within the family and hospitality of a
specifically traditional or cultural nature need not be disclosed,” the code of
ethics
reads.
Members of the public will be allowed to inspect the
register and raise concern if the MPs are seen as acting unethically. MPs are
yet to approve the proposed code. newsday
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