Charter panel to establish political ethics commission

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Members of a charter panel agrees to form another panel on the ethics. AA photo

All four parties represented at Parliament’s Constitution Conciliation Commission agreed on Dec. 18 to establish a “political ethics commission.” The agreement was made during debates on “affairs that do not comply with deputyship,” as part of an article covering lawmaker election eligibility.

Each party will be represented at the political ethics commission by either their two most senior deputies or their eldest two deputies. With its duty and authorities being outlined in the standing rules of Parliament, the commission will work on the principles agreement and publicity. Even in the absence of an agreement, the commission will continue to give their reports to Parliament. The panel can work in secrecy provided that all agree to this measure.

During the same debates, the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) proposed barring “coup planners” from becoming deputies. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) supported the idea, while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) questioned how one could be deemed a “coup planner” without a court ruling on the particular issue. Eventually, all parties agreed upon the BDP’s proposal, yet detailed discussions are still needed.