Morocco’s Lower House on Tuesday adopted a code of ethics, amid a growing number of MPs facing legal scrutiny over corruption allegations.
The new code of ethics establishes a four-member commission, evenly divided between the majority and the opposition, to monitor and report any potential violations of the rules by MPs. The commission will then submit recommendations to the body in charge of enforcing the code’s provisions.
Parliamentary groups will monitor members’ adherence to ethical commitments, requiring MPs to disclose any conflicts of interest, declare gifts received in their official capacity, and archive such gifts in the House’s museum.
The new code is founded on ideals of “integrity, honesty, and courtesy,” as well as other values expected to guide the conduct and work of deputies.
At the beginning of each legislative term, MPs will be required to sign a sworn declaration confirming their understanding of the internal regulations, particularly those related to the code of ethics.
In a message to the Symposium commemorating the 60th anniversary of Morocco’s first elected Parliament last January, King Mohammed VI urged the legislative body to improve the “ethical standards in parliamentary life” “through the adoption of a binding code of ethics in both Houses”.
In accordance with this message, parliamentary group leaders have held a series of meetings to draft a new version of the code of ethics aiming for “precision, efficiency, depth, comprehensiveness, cohesion, coherence, and conformity to the Constitution.”