The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has decided to delay a crucial ruling on a petition that seeks to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament vacant.
This petition, filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, has sparked intense debate within the chamber. At the heart of the issue is Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which states that an MP must vacate their seat if they abandon their political party or choose to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
The petition specifically challenges the positions of three Majority MPs and one MP from Iddrisu’s own National Democratic Congress party.
During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, both the Majority and Minority factions presented their arguments, with Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson citing examples of MPs who have filed to contest the upcoming elections as independent candidates or under different party tickets.
Forson argued that these MPs should vacate their seats according to Article 97 (1)(g) and referenced a similar case from 2020 where the Speaker of Parliament ruled in favor of the NPP’s position. On the other hand, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin claims the application lacks merit since no political party has petitioned the house demanding the declaration of the seats as vacant.
Afenyo-Markin has also filed an urgent legal action with the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the status of the three MPs. This development comes after Haruna Iddrisu declared the opposition’s intention to compel ruling party MPs seeking re-election as independents to vacate their seats.
The Speaker’s decision to delay the ruling gives both sides time to rally their arguments, with expectations of a definitive ruling later in the week.
The outcome of this petition could significantly impact the balance of power in the House, as the Majority and Minority sides are already in a tight contest for control.
