Former President John Dramani Mahama charged the incumbent President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to act expeditiously on the current impasse over vacant parliamentary seats in the country. Speaking at a public event in Accra on Friday, Mahama indicated that he was disappointed the current government had not satisfactorily handled the issue, stressing that if he was in office, he would have dealt with the matter once and for all.
The dispute over vacant seats came into being when some MPs died, others vacated their seats for various reasons, thus leaving some constituencies without any representation in the legislature. While that situation constitutionally calls for the organization of by-elections by the Electoral Commission, that has not taken place in time, much to the frustration of both citizens and political parties.
He said in his remarks that the vacant seats needed to be filled in good time, as absence would affect effective functioning; the absence of MPs from some constituencies undermines the democratic process, and it is not fair as it hampers the work of the legislature.
"These vacant seats cannot be allowed to stay that way for too long," Mahama said. "The people in those constituencies need to have representation in Parliament, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that by-elections are held without too much delay."
The former president further suggested that political reasons seem to be the reason why the Akufo-Addo-led administration has not shown much urgency in resolving the issue, because holding by-elections could affect the current balance of power in Parliament. However, Mahama emphasized that political considerations should not override the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring that people's voices are heard.
Analysts have begun to raise concern over the populations of vacant seats that potentially extend into a full-term delay, which some analysts maintain could amount to disenfranchisement and erode public confidence in the system.
The Akufo-Addo government has yet to respond publicly to Mahama's statements, but observers believe pressure likely will continue to mount for a swift resolution of the dispute.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0