We'll boycott Parliament until Supreme Court rules on vacant seats

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced an indefinite boycott of parliamentary proceedings, following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four seats vacant.

The ruling, which impacts MPs Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), stems from their decision to contest the upcoming 2024 elections as independent candidates while Andrew Asiamah (Fomena) has decided to contest on the ticket of the NPP.

Bagbin’s ruling, based on constitutional provisions, holds that by declaring their independent candidacies or cross-carpeting to other political parties, the MPs have effectively vacated their parliamentary positions.

This development has shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holding 136 seats compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 135, making the NDC the majority caucus.

A visibly dissatisfied Afenyo-Markin led the NPP MPs in a walkout, expressing frustration over Bagbin’s decision.

He had earlier filed an urgent legal action with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 15, seeking to halt the Minority’s petition to the Speaker concerning the fate of these MPs.

The legal challenge sought clarification on the constitutional crisis surrounding the MPs’ decision to run as independent candidates or under the NPP ticket.

Speaking to reporters after the walkout, Afenyo-Markin accused Bagbin of aligning with the NDC and avoiding proper legal procedures in serving the writ.

Despite the boycott, he emphasized the NPP’s commitment to the law but vowed to resist what he described as politically biased decisions.

“We as the Majority caucus immediately are boycotting parliament until this matter is determined by the Supreme Court. The speaker has no right to interpret the constitution, and it is so clear that what he did was to give an advantage to the NDC and do the bidding of the NDC.

“We are not going further to litigate. We have a process at the court, we will follow it up. If the court makes a pronouncement we will respect the orders of the court.”

This situation heightens the political tensions as the 2024 general elections approach, with the ruling party facing an unexpected and critical shift in its parliamentary strength.