CODE OF CONDUCT
This ethical code has a guiding purpose and its goal is to stimulate good practices, to enhance democratic life and to restore the reputation of political commitment and vocation.
Life is more complex than any document can grasp, however, this ethical code has a guiding purpose and its goal is to stimulate good practices, to enhance democratic life and to restore the reputation of political commitment and vocation. This code is inspired in the letter and spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (10. XII.1948). Honourable exercise of politics taken as a service to the general interest requires political actors that enhance the fundamental values of democratic life, among which equality, tolerance, eagerness to dialogue and participation stand out significantly.
For social coexistence to be tidy and fruitful each individual must behave according to certain collective and ethical principles.[1]
Justice: Involves no arbitrary discrimination, granting the fair share to each person and constantly fostering equity.
Respect: Involves an attentive and considerate treatment towards individuals and institutions, free of prejudice and discrimination, with the dignity that is right and proper.
Service: Being at the disposal of citizens according to the specific responsibilities attached to their duties, with an insight of the general needs of society.
Responsibility: Involves assuming the moral and legal consequences of past and current actions and omissions, being ready to be held accountable for them and sparing no effort to provide the means to handle their present and future decisions.
Integrity: Acting in a fair, righteous and honest manner, adapting words and behaviour to what politicians consider appropriate at each moment, refraining from improper advantages obtained through the activity that they undertake and making use of the inherent prerogatives derived from their position solely to carry out their duties.
Impartiality: Supporting their own ideas or those of the party shouldn’t prevent politicians from judging objectively according to their own ethical criteria.
Professionalism: Carrying out their profession with dedication, effectiveness and celerity, with specific concern for their intellectual formation and the development of their abilities, updating them if necessary.
Transparency: Providing free and non discriminatory access to the information held by the politician himself, the party or the legislative and executive bodies where the politician carries out his duties, in case citizens wish to defend their rights and freedoms, including information about the very activity of the politician, in accordance with the provisions in laws and regulations.
- Members shall act according to the trust citizens expect (or have placed on) of them by means of universal suffrage, defending the political project for which he/she is expected to withhold.
- Members must take into account any question or inquiry about their political activity or They must be held accountable for their public actions and shoulder any responsibility derived from them.
- Members are constrained to listen to the different parties that are involved in a situation, and being properly advised by experts, communicate their decisions taken on well-reasoned grounds to the rest of
- Members will take into consideration the social movements and the demands that arise from civil society and its associations, without attempting to employ these claims for their own partisan
- Members have the duty to respect the autonomy of organizations that constitute civil society and to be unbiased in their relationship with
[1] This ethical code will be revised periodically and modified, if necessary, in order to be adapted to the circumstances and needs of each time.
Relations among members must be shaped by mutual respect and by being careful with the use of language. Ideological disagreement, which is the basis of democratic society, should never translate into lack of respect. The consideration for human dignity is the core of democracy; thence it is a principle that cannot be waived.
Discussion and public disclosure of different options that lead to progress is an inherent characteristic of democratic life. For this reason the relationship between political players, necessary in itself in a healthy and democratic society, must be defined by willingness to dialogue, fair play and truthfulness.
- Members should try to reach agreements on general interest matters, paying attention to each other and looking for a compromise among the different positions they represent.
- Members have the responsibility to submit well-grounded proposals, being aware that certain political actions might be put into question.
- Private life matters, beliefs and personal lifestyle must be respected and never be discussed openly in public debate.
- Harassment, hostility and aggression will not be tolerated in any form and if we feel that a member have overstepped these boundaries we will challenge this and you may be asked to leave.
- Members will be made aware of the complaints procedure and in the interests of transparency.
Public administrations are the political framework for the rule of law, and as such they are expected to serve their citizens.
- Members with executive duties are obliged to explain their political priorities, will be held accountable for their activity, and shall transparently report about their actions.
- Members must be mindful with the administration of public resources being guided by the following values: efficiency, equity and effectiveness.
- Members with executive duties must reconcile respect to professional autonomy granted to those who carry out public functions with leadership that must be performed on the basis of mutual trust.
- When making important decisions, Members with executive duties must consult with all the parties involved, and seek for independent advice.
- In the process of devolution of powers; transparency, cooperation and efficiency must prevail.
Political and public life increasingly takes place in a new environment created by mass media and information technology. The interdependence of the world of politics with the media demands a responsible interaction in order for the citizens to stay adequately informed and so UPDM and its members can communicate their proposals.
The relationship between politicians and professional media must be always distinguished by the respect for the autonomy of each domain while Members should, at the same time, be able to disclose their plans and proposals through media.
- Members have a duty to report their proposals and decisions to the citizens through the media.
- They must respect the autonomy of media professionals without interfering, coercing or putting pressure on them.
- As for communicating proposals and decisions through media, Members must use a proper and educated language avoiding at all times demagogy, manipulation and dishonesty.
- Members are compelled to report about matters of general interest.
- Members are compelled to amend the information they have given in case it does not conform to reality.
Members can freely express their opinions within the organs of UPDM and convey their disagreement with UPDM’s guidelines through the appropriate channels of the party.
- Members shall be loyal to the party. Their allegiance, however, will not be exempt from freedom to give critical opinion.
- Members have the obligation to respect the code of ethics and professional conduct that regulates the activities undertaken by the members of the party.
- Members will cooperate with the organs of the party to promote values and ethical principles that allow the full development of democracy among its members.
- If Members find out about malpractices within UPDM, they must warn the Executive bodies of the party.
The separation of powers (checks and balances) is one of the principles of representative democracy. Thus, the executive and judiciary branches must be autonomous and respectful of each other.
- Members must protect the autonomy of the Courts of Justice beyond their own interests and those of the party notwithstanding the free exercise of criticism.
Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to:
- The use of sexualized language or imagery and unwelcome sexual attention or advances
- Insulting/derogatory comments toward and personal attacks on other members
- Public or private harassment
- Mistreatment or abuse of people.
UPDM may have to take disciplinary action against members who repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow our code of conduct. Disciplinary actions will vary depending on the violation. Possible consequences include:
Reprimand. Suspension or termination for offenses that undermine trust in UPDM and its standing in public.
The executive may take legal action in cases of corruption, theft, embezzlement or other unlawful behavior.