The Supreme Court will deliver its judgement on the four vacant seats controversy later today November 12, 2024.
The anticipated verdict is to restore order in parliament following its weeks-long of seeming chaos as a result of the speaker’s controversial decision on some seats.
On Monday, November 11, Thaddeus Sory, the Speaker’s attorney, did not show up for court and did not turn in the necessary statement of case.
This absence follows the Attorney-General’s concerns regarding the constitutionality of Sory’s ongoing representation of the Speaker, claiming that the engagement was not authorized by the Public Procurement Authority.
Both caucuses have been at each other’s neck in an attempt to establish their majority status in parliament following the speaker’s decision to announce four seats vacant, especially after a poll reportedly conducted in parliament had revealed the said MPs’ decision to become independent.
According to the Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, MPs who had been elected through a politcal party but later decide to extricate themselves from the party or remain as independent candidates must vacate the seat. This, according to speaker informs his decision on the four seats.
However, there have been contentions as to if Alban Bagbin, the speaker of parliament had interpreted the law in the process, something only the Supreme Court is allowed to do, according to the constitution.
A legal process was initiated by the leader of the New Patriotic Party Caucus in parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin in opposition to the speaker’s decision. He successfully secured an injunction order on the speaker’s decision, thereby practically reinstating the NPP’s majority status in parliament pending a final determination of the case.
In response, Speaker Bagbin moved to overturn the injunction, claiming it violated his Speakership. But the Supreme Court denied his motion, maintaining its earlier injunction.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s majority status has since not been recognised in parliament mainly owing to their continuous absence from parliament, a sign of protest against the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) resolve to sit in the majority seats.
Today’s verdict by the Supreme Court is expected to bring some clarity and conclusion to the case that has so far been an impediment to business in parliament. The public will be observing keenly as this is not just a mere case in court but a political affair, especially one that could set the tone for the upcoming election on December 7, 2024.
Source: Dehotpress
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