Supreme Court To Rule on Parliamentary Vacancies Dispute on Tuesday
Ruling expected to clarify constitutional roles of Speaker and judiciary in seat disputes
- Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, sparking legal controversy
- The Supreme Court’s ruling could redefine the powers of the Speaker and judiciary in seat declarations
- The case challenges whether the Speaker can act unilaterally without judicial oversight in constitutional matters
The Supreme Court is set to issue a landmark ruling on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, regarding Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
This decision, made on October 17, 2024, has sparked a legal challenge led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus. Afenyo-Markin argues that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional authority by unilaterally declaring the seats vacant, bypassing judicial oversight and denying the affected constituents their right to representation.
Speaker Bagbin’s legal counsel, Thaddeus Sory, was notably absent from the hearing on Monday, November 11, and did not file a supporting statement, which follows an objection raised by the Attorney-General about Sory’s continued representation without Public Procurement Authority approval.
The dispute centers on Bagbin’s interpretation of the 1992 Constitution regarding parliamentary vacancies, with Afenyo-Markin asserting that the judiciary, not the Speaker, is responsible for constitutional interpretations in such matters.
The Supreme Court had previously issued an injunction blocking further actions on the vacated seats, a ruling that Bagbin unsuccessfully challenged.
As the final judgment looms, many await its potential impact on the future roles of the Speaker and the judiciary in determining parliamentary procedures and representation.
