Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is set to announce a ruling today, Thursday, October 17, regarding a petition that seeks to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.
This significant decision comes following a detailed discussion and arguments presented by the Majority and Manority caucuses in respect of a petition filed by former Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu.
Three MPs from the Majority side were targeted in the petition, and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), triggering Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution.
The constitutional provision requires a Member of Parliament to resign their seat if they leave the political party under which they were elected or try to stay in Parliament as an independent candidate.
This situation has resulted in a heated debate within Parliament, emphasising the political tensions between the ruling and the opposition parties.
During a fiery debate on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Speaker Bagbin affirmed the gravity of the matter and requested an additional two days to deliver a well-reasoned ruling.
He emphasised how important it is to thoroughly deliberate on the matter before making a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the MPs involved and their respective constituencies.
“So please, kindly give me these two days, and I’ll come here with a well-written ruling. I will submit it to all of you, so that at the end of the day, justice would have not only been done but would have been seen to be manifestly done in this matter,” he said.
READ ALSO: Mahama Kicks Off Fourth Phase Of His Greater Accra Tour Today
In his petition, Haruna Iddrisu contended that the four MPs should be disqualified due to their current affiliations and actions, thereby questioning their legitimacy in Parliament.
This action has heightened the existing political rivalry, with the NDC aiming to contest the status quo and reclaim power in Parliament.
In reaction to the Minority’s petition, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has initiated legal proceedings by submitting an application for an injunction to the Supreme Court.
This action aims to prevent the Minority from declaring the seats of the Independent candidates vacant, further complicating the ongoing situation.
READ ALSO: Dumsor Is All You’re Known For – Akufo-Addo Jabs Mahama
With the Speaker set to deliver his ruling, attention is focused on Parliament, as the decision could greatly impact the composition of the House and the political landscape in Ghana.
The ruling will not only determine the fate of the MPs but also affect the strategies and dynamics of both major political parties leading up to the upcoming elections.
