Former three-time First Deputy Speaker, Mr Fredie Blay, has expressed strong disapproval of the decision made by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.
The Speaker’s action, taken last Thursday, was reportedly influenced by the MPs’ choice to contest as independents in the upcoming national election on December 7.
According to Mr Blay, this decision violates Articles 97(1) (g) and (h) of the Constitution, and has sparked significant debate both within and outside Parliament.
He described the move as unfortunate and had the tendency of stifling the development of democracy in the country.
Expressing his disappointment over the Speaker’s move in an interview, he stated that, “What is happening in Parliament is not good. It doesn’t in any way help the development of Parliamentary democracy. It’s unfortunate, taking into account even the fact that we have just two months to elections.”
He contended that, “When one files for nomination to participate in the December 7 election, it is the expression of desire of what one wants to do, come January 2025 Parliamentary Session.
“When you file your nomination with the EC, you are not crossing carpet now. You are giving to notice to the public that you want to participate in an election which will result in what you want to do, come 2025.”
He added that, “ merely filing papers did not mean you have changed your allegiance or crossed carpet within this period of your four-year tenure because those who are members of parliament started from say 2021 to 25, it does not mean l have done it from 2021 to 2024.”
Mr Blay further said “Even if the party decides to sack you for expressing your intentions to another party, they can’t ask you to leave Parliament, according to me, unless you decide yourself, but that should be within now. But if you say come 2025, I will change party, and go elsewhere, it doesn’t mean I am going now before the end of the session. If l do that it doesn’t mean l should be penalised.”
He mentioned that “Article 97 (g) says if you decide to leave within your tenure, they will tell you are crossing carpet so leave. But if you say I am not doing so within my tenure but next session, nothing prevents you. Party may not be happy with you.”
“ For Speaker to get rid of four MP’s because according to him they intend to change their loyalty to whichever party they belong to now, or even go independent constitute breach of their obligations- I don’t think so and totally disagree. It is not healthy, at this crucial time that Parliament is hanged, it amounts to constitutional lawlessness, it doesn’t help democracy,” he added.