KS Assembly Adopts Draft Law on Origin of Officials' Assets

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Deputies of the KS Assembly adopted the Draft Law on Reporting, Determining the Origin and Control of Assets of Elected and Appointed Officials, Holders of Executive Functions and Advisors of Sarajevo Canton, and sent it for public debate for a period of 60 days.

The law defines the principles and competencies in the implementation of the Law, as well as the obligation for appointed persons to report their assets upon taking office, the obligation for annual reporting, and the obligation to report after the end of their term or dismissal. Penalties for failure to report assets and for providing false information about assets are also prescribed, as well as the obligations of incumbent elected officials in terms of the application of this Law, and the filing of criminal charges where grounds for such are established.

As stated in the explanation by the Minister of Justice and Administration, Lejla Brčić, the key legal basis for the adoption of this law arises from the obligations undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those from the UN Convention against Corruption, which obliges member states, in accordance with their internal regulations, to respect the principles of transparency to the greatest extent possible, prevent conflicts of interest in the public sector, and illegal enrichment of public officials.

The essence of adopting such a law is the possibility of preventive action against corrupt practices with a clear message and strategic commitment of this Government that the fight against corruption will be a priority of their actions.

- Currently, we have a situation where ministers, for example, or any appointed persons in public institutions and companies founded by the Canton, do not submit asset declarations to anyone, because there is no legal solution that would oblige them to do so - stated the minister, emphasizing that the adoption of such a law sends a clear message of political will that all public officials should put the public interest before their private one.

On this occasion, an invitation was extended to all interested organizations and institutions from the governmental and non-governmental sectors, as well as citizens, to participate in the public debate in order to adopt the best possible text of the draft law.