Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reaffirmed the legal requirements for becoming a Member of Parliament, emphasizing that until a parliamentary candidate is sworn in by the Speaker, they remain an MP-elect.
Addressing Parliament, Bagbin referenced the Supreme Court’s recent annulment of results from re-collation processes in four constituencies, including Okaikwei Central, Ablekuma North, Tema Central, and Techiman South.
The court ruled that the Electoral Commission’s re-collation and re-declaration of results in these areas were irregular and unlawful.
“To be an MP, you must be elected by the voters, declared by the Electoral Commission, and sworn in by the Speaker. Until you are sworn in, you remain an MP-elect,” Bagbin stated.
He further explained that some re-collation and declarations were “completely null and void” and stressed that such individuals were not eligible to be sworn into Parliament.
The Supreme Court’s ruling supported Bagbin’s earlier stance, which had faced opposition at the time.
The legal challenge, initiated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), followed a High Court directive for the EC to re-collate results in nine constituencies.
Bagbin highlighted his duty as Speaker to uphold the integrity of Parliament by ensuring that all processes are lawful and transparent.
“As the gatekeeper, I must ensure the integrity of Parliament is upheld.
Some of these so-called MPs-elect were not qualified to take the oath, and the Supreme Court’s decision has validated my position,” he added.
To become a Member of Parliament, you must be sworn in by the Speaker; until then, you remain an MP-elect – Alban Bagbin#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/obgBm07Tfg
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) December 30, 2024
