Bagbin to deliver ruling on MPs' vacancy petition today
Accra, Ghana - October 17, 2024 - The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, will deliver a highly anticipated ruling today on a petition seeking to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.
The petition, filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, cites Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or attempt to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
Three Majority MPs and one National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP are implicated in the petition, which has sparked intense debate and heightened political tensions within Parliament.
On Tuesday, Speaker Bagbin requested two additional days to deliver a well-reasoned ruling, emphasizing the importance of thorough deliberation. The Speaker noted that his decision would ensure justice is not only done but seen to be manifestly done.
The ruling could significantly impact the composition of Parliament, influence party dynamics ahead of upcoming elections, and determine the fate of the implicated MPs.
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has filed an injunction application at the Supreme Court to block the Minority's efforts, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.
Source: Lead News Online
