The Ethics, Code of Conduct, Immunities and Privileges Committee has presented a new Code of Conduct and Ethics to the National Assembly.
The committee called for the immediate adoption of the Code to restore public trust and strengthen democratic governance. The Code proposes clear ethical guidelines, mandatory disclosure of financial and private interests, and mechanisms for oversight, investigation, and enforcement.
For years, concerns have been raised about the conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs), including conflict of interest, absenteeism, abuse of privilege, and lack of accountability.
Presenting the report on Friday, committee chairperson, Mamello Phooko, said the absence of a formal, enforceable code has made it difficult to hold MPs accountable for ethical breaches and weakened public confidence in Parliament.
She noted that the draft aligns with international standards set by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Guidelines.
Lesotho’s commitment to these norms necessitates domestic implementation, Phookosaid.
Phooko stressed that for the Code to work, it must move beyond guidelines and be enforceable under the Ethics Committee, with real consequences for violations.
“The committee recommends the adoption of this Code by the House which will mark a significant milestone in restoring public trust, strengthening democratic governance and ensuring ethical leadership within the National Assembly,” she added.
