Bagbin’s declaration of four seats vacant sets dangerous precedent – Kwaku Azar
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has raised concerns about Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. Kwaku Azar believes this decision sets a dangerous precedent by potentially discouraging MPs from exploring future political ambitions due to fear of punitive measures.
In a Facebook post on October 17, Kwaku Azar argued that the ruling could destabilize the balance of power in Parliament, as it disrupts the representation determined by the electorate. He emphasized that filing a nomination for a future election does not equate to severing current party allegiance. According to Azar, this broad interpretation risks undermining the democratic process by vacating seats prematurely and creating a chilling effect on MPs’ willingness to pursue independent political paths.
Azar further asserted that the ruling contradicts the fundamental right to freedom of association, as it penalizes MPs for expressing future political intentions. He also highlighted that Article 97(1) of the Constitution, which pertains to vacating parliamentary seats, should be interpreted narrowly to prevent unnecessary disruptions in Parliament’s composition.
Lastly, Kwaku Azar pointed out that the decision violates Article 112(6), which prohibits by-elections within three months before a general election, leaving constituencies without representation during a crucial period. He believes this ruling undermines the voters’ original mandate and sets a worrying precedent for Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
