Gambian lawmakers have welcomed a guiding code of conduct that aims to hold members responsible for their parliamentary actions and promotion of good governance.

The code seeks to provide clear guidelines for National Assembly Members (NAMs) regarding the standards of conduct expected of them while fulfilling their parliamentary duties, as outlined by the Constitution and Standing Orders.

It establishes the expected standards of behaviour for all those working within the parliamentary environment, fostering ethical conduct and building public trust in Parliament and its members. 

The House vice chairman of the Privileges and Ethics Committee, Alagie S. Darboe, who tabled the Act, told parliament that the code is an institutional measure yardstick that seeks to help promote professional standards in parliament.

He added that the code will help hold members accountable for their fundamental responsibilities, and ensure effective functioning and integrity of the parliament, while adding that it also promotes openness and accountability, fostering public confidence in the manner members conduct their parliamentary work.

“The code promotes the ideals of democratic governance through separation of powers, the rule of law, and high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour, including appropriate workplace conduct,” he said.

After tabling the new Act, members welcomed the new guiding code of conduct while acknowledging the importance of a code of conduct for parliamentarians in any democracy.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba