Anticor persists and signs: An ethical charter is proposed to candidates (heads of the list) for the 2014 Municipal elections. This is despite the modest successes of previous attempts: 6 candidates out of 124 for the last cantonal elections and 6 out of 96 in the last legislative elections. Not enough to change the world, but with patienceโฆ
“We need the help of voters to challenge all candidates so that they accept the good practices we propose to them. They have everything to gain by behaving correctly, even democratically, since they are asking to be elected. People are starting to be sensitive to these values and the associated behaviors,” says Jean-Christophe Picard, departmental manager of the association.
What is it exactly about? The Anticor Association and the candidate sign a mandate contract, which commits the candidate, if elected, to respect the ethical contents* that are planned, such as non-cumulation and limitation of mandates and executive functions, good management practices, transparency, recognition of the opposition, citizen participation, information publicity, treatment of breaches of integrity, prevention of influence trafficking, and choice of financial organizations.
In return, the Anticor association agrees to allow the signing candidate to use the “Anticor 2014 Charter Signatory” logo, which they can use in the context of their campaign for the municipal elections in March 2014 and, if applicable, in the context of their mandate as Mayor.
Is the game really worth the candle? Is it so important for a candidate to have a label like the organic label for food products?
The result concerning the adhesion of few or many candidates (and from which party?) will tell if the initiative aligns with the demand for renewal coming from the electorate.
Surely, we need to change the political personnel with a sustained frequency, but if we do not also change the behavior and working methods of elected officials, we may simply be doing a mere cosmetic operation!
