Former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and lawyer, Freddie Blay has said that the petition, seeking to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant is unnecessary.
According to the former MP and Deputy Speaker, MPs should be free to make decisions outside the party’s stance.
In an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen programme Friday, Mr Blay asserted that there is nothing wrong with defection or cross carpeting.
“There is nothing wrong with cross-carpeting in politics. Anyone is free to join other parties or go independent. Party loyalty cannot remain forever, so allow MPs to make their own decisions,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin on Thursday declared the four seats vacant on the basis that three of the MPs had crossed the carpet to contest as Independent candidates in the upcoming election.
The petition filed by former Minority Leader and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu, stirred significant debate within the chamber.
The affected MPs are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadwo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
Cynthia Morrison and Mr Asante are NPP MPs who have filed to contest the 2024 general election as independent candidates.
ALSO READ:
- Prof. Gyampo criticises vacating of MP seats due to cross-carpeting
This is a sign of victory – Mahama on Speaker’s declaration of 4 seats…