In a significant legal move, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament in response to a brewing controversy surrounding members of the Majority caucus who have filed to contest as independent candidates in the upcoming election. Afenyo-Markin seeks clarity from the Supreme Court regarding the status of these MPs within the Majority caucus, as the issue has raised questions about the constitutional provisions governing party membership in Parliament.
Addressing the media, Afenyo-Markin stated, “I have also looked at the matter, the constitutional provisions, and I hold the view that the members of my caucus who have filed to go independent for the next election have not written to me as the head of the caucus to say that they are no more part of the caucus.” He added that, from his perspective, the caucus remains intact as long as the MPs in question have not formally withdrawn their affiliation with the party.
The dispute centers on the actions of certain MPs within the Majority who, while remaining part of the caucus, have declared their intent to run as independent candidates in the next general election. This has sparked confusion over whether they can still be considered part of the party’s parliamentary caucus. Afenyo-Markin, in his capacity as Majority Leader, has filed a writ at the Supreme Court to seek judicial interpretation and resolution of the matter.
“So, in my capacity as the Majority Leader, I have filed a writ at the Supreme Court, and Parliament has been duly served. There is an injunction application also attached to the writ,” he revealed, indicating that the legal process is already underway. Afenyo-Markin further emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and suggested that the matter be put on hold until the Supreme Court renders a decision. “I believe that if we are going to respect the law, this matter would be placed on ice until the Supreme Court determines it,” he concluded.
The lawsuit, which names the Speaker of Parliament as a key respondent, could have far-reaching implications for the parliamentary standing of MPs who choose to run as independents while maintaining links with their political party. The outcome of the case will clarify whether MPs who file for independent candidacy automatically forfeit their membership in their party caucus or whether they retain certain rights until a formal declaration is made.
This legal battle is poised to influence the dynamics of parliamentary representation ahead of the upcoming general elections, and all eyes are now on the Supreme Court for a ruling that could set a precedent for future cases involving party affiliation and independent candidacies in Ghana’s political landscape.
