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Afenyo-Markin Urges Respect for Supreme Court Ruling on Bagbin’s Decision

Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Minority in Parliament to take legal action if they believe they have a legitimate case regarding the recent parliamentary dispute.

His comments come after the Supreme Court issued a stay on the execution of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

The Speaker’s decision followed a motion filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, invoking constitutional provisions that require MPs seeking to run as independent candidates to vacate their parliamentary seats.

The four MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—were said to have violated these rules either by changing political affiliations or announcing their intentions to run as independents in the upcoming December 2024 elections.

In protest, the Majority staged a walkout from Parliament, questioning the legality and fairness of the Speaker’s ruling.

In anticipation of the Speaker’s ruling, Afenyo-Markin took legal action by filing with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 15, to seek clarification on the status of the four MPs who planned to contest the upcoming elections, either as NPP candidates or as independents.

Following the Speaker’s decision, Afenyo-Markin filed for a stay of execution on Friday, and the Supreme Court responded by temporarily halting any actions related to the ruling, including the declaration of the MPs’ seats as vacant.

Speaking to the media on Friday, October 18, after the Supreme Court’s decision, Afenyo-Markin expressed satisfaction, asserting that the ruling had affirmed the legal rights of the MPs and, by extension, the democratic rights of their constituents.

He stressed that the Majority had presented a solid legal argument and were confident in their position.

“The court has made its determination and instructed the parties to submit the necessary documentation for final resolution. We now expect all parties, including the right honorable Speaker, to respect the law,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He added, “We are democrats and reject violence and unnecessary political disruptions. We approached the court believing that justice would be served, and indeed it has. The rights of the MPs and their constituents have been upheld.”

Afenyo-Markin also urged the public to review the full court ruling and continue the conversation. He concluded with a challenge to the NDC, stating, “Those from the NDC who claim to be in the Majority, if they understand the law, they should now meet us in court.”

Source: citinewsroom

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