Delay in Forming Ethics Committee Raises Concerns in Moroccan Parliament
Rabat, Morocco – The Moroccan House of Representatives’ delay in forming its Ethics Committee has sparked questions and concerns about the commitment to transparency and accountability within the legislative body.
Idriss Sentissi, leader of the Popular Movement party in the House, recently announced that the composition of the Ethics Committee remains unknown. This delay comes months after the House of Representatives approved a new internal regulation in July, which notably included 13 amended articles related to the parliamentary code of ethics.
The code of ethics was established in response to directives from King Mohammed VI, outlined in his address commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Parliament’s establishment. The King emphasized the need for clear principles governing parliamentary conduct, outlining duties, and behavioral standards for elected officials both within and outside the Parliament. The code aims to provide mechanisms to ensure adherence to these principles.
“We have not yet received the composition of the committee or any correspondence on this matter,” Sentissi stated during a plenary session on Monday, October 21st. “We want to know its composition and whether it has started its work or not.”
The lack of transparency surrounding the committee’s formation has raised concerns among some members of parliament and the public. The establishment of an Ethics Committee is viewed as a crucial step towards enhancing accountability and ensuring ethical conduct among elected officials.
Delays in forming such committees are not unique to Morocco. Globally, legislative bodies often face challenges in establishing and operationalizing ethics oversight mechanisms. For instance, in the United States, the House Ethics Committee has faced criticism for delays in investigations and perceived partisan bias.
The timely formation and effective operation of the Ethics Committee are essential for upholding public trust in the Moroccan Parliament. Transparency in the committee’s composition and a clear mandate for its work will be crucial for its success.
