Public officers barred from dual citizenship

Public officers who accept gifts or donations from well-wishers will be required to surrender them to the government unless exempted by an Act of Parliament.

This is among the radical changes that public officers must adhere to.

Chapter 6 of the new Constitution outlines what public officers can and cannot do.

It also spells out the penalties for failing to comply. These include suspension or dismissal.

A person dismissed for contravening the chapter cannot hold any other State office.

Public officers will also not be allowed to have foreign bank accounts and cannot hold dual citizenship as long as they are in office.

An officer who is fully employed by the government can also “not participate in any other gainful employment”.

They will also be required to forfeit any gift or donation they receive during a public or official occasion unless exempted by an Act of Parliament.

One of the laws that are to be enacted by August next year is that on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which will enforce the provisions of Chapter Six.

The commission will also conduct investigations against a public officer on its own initiative or on receiving a complaint.
It will have powers for conciliation, mediation and negotiation.

The Constitution says that public officers are required to declare any personal interest that may be in conflict with their duties.

Conduct put in check

Their conduct, even in their private lives, has also been put in check. This ensures that their behaviour is not in conflict with their official duties.

Public officers are barred from seeking or accepting a personal loan in circumstances that compromise their integrity, nor hold office in a political party.

According to the rules, when the State officers retire, they cannot become chairpersons, directors or employees of government-owned companies.