Transparency and Accountability in Public Office

The greatest crime committed by a citizen in public office is not homicide but malfeasance in public office, the taking of life is dastardly but the stealing and misuse of the public weal and money is nation destroying for both existent and future are disabled and weakened.

The Seven Principles of Public Life are as follows:

1. Selflessness – Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family and their friends.

2. Integrity – Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

3. Objectivity – In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

4. Accountability – Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

5. Openness – Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

6. Honesty – Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

7. Leadership – Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

One may conclude that in upholding these seven principles we can achieve a more transparent Government; that is access by the public to timely, reliable information on decisions and performance in the public sector.