Laying the Code of Conduct for approval, Hon Alagie S. Darboe, the minority leader and member for Brikama North Constituency, said the purpose of the instrument was to provide clear guidance for Members of the National Assembly on the standards of conduct required of them in their parliamentary duties under the Constitution and Standing Orders.
He also stated that it will also provides openness and accountability necessary to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Members of the National Assembly perform their parliamentary duties.
“It is also to ensure procedural fairness to Members of the National Assembly in response to any alleged breach of the Code of Conduct,” he pointed out.
He highlighted that the scope of the Code of Conduct applies to all Members in their parliamentary and public roles, noting that no Member is above the law. “It does not seek to regulate what Members do in their purely private and personal lives,” he clarified.
“The application of this Code shall be a matter for the National Assembly and its committees, particularly for the Committee of Privileges and Ethics.”
Reacting to the Code of Conduct, Hon. Billy Tunkara, the majority leader and Member for Kantora Constituency, said they owe it to themselves as MPs to show appreciation to the Office of the Clerk and partners.
“We as parliamentarians are given much power to decide on the fate of people we represent. Any decision taken here reflects on electorates as far as law making is concerned,” he said.
“Therefore that power given to us needs not to be abused and we should live up to the expectations.”
He congratulated the members for making history as 6th Legislature that ratified a document to assess and hold themselves accountable to their electorates.
Hon. Momodou Bah, Member for Banjul North, said: “We are in parliament to represent the people and our integrity should not be compromised; as this instrument will guide us to be more functional in whatever responsibility as members.”
Hon. Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yaya Sanyang, acknowledged how timely the instrument was, saying “every institution has a code of conduct that guides them. It is about time that we have ours.”
“We are representing 58 constituencies and this will help guide and regulate the behaviour of members in and outside of parliament.”
