By Jeremiah Nutsugah
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has expressed doubts about the likelihood of Members of Parliament conducting themselves in a well-disciplined manner when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday.
The ongoing disagreements between the Speaker and the Supreme Court’s conflicting rulings have ignited a firestorm of tension, casting a shadow over the parliamentarians’ ability to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.
Dr. Draman attributed his scepticism to the posture of both sides of Parliament, citing the raging disagreements.
On Joy FM’s ‘Top Story’, on Monday, October 21, he urged the country’s leaders to intervene, emphasising the need for a conversation between the President, Speaker, and Chief Justice.
“The current posturing doesn’t inspire confidence in a peaceful resolution,” Dr. Draman stated. “Our democracy will face its greatest test yet in this fourth republic.”
He warned that if left unchecked, the current trend could erode the remaining trust in democracy.
However, First Deputy Majority Whip Habib Iddrisu struck a more optimistic tone, predicting no trouble in Parliament. The Tolon MP revealed plans to meet with the Speaker to discuss the way forward before Tuesday’s session.
This development follows the NDC MPs’ intention to occupy the Majority side of the House, despite a Supreme Court directive staying the Speaker’s ruling to oust four MPs who ran as independent candidates ahead of the election.
