The Minority in Parliament has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ruling of the Tamale High Court that nullified the parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency.
In a majority decision of four to one delivered on January 28, the Supreme Court held that the Tamale High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the election petition because it was filed outside the strict statutory timelines required for challenging parliamentary election results.
Reacting to the ruling in a press statement signed by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority described the judgment as a landmark decision that upholds constitutional order and electoral integrity.
“This ruling restores the unequivocal mandate freely and lawfully conferred by the people of Kpandai on their Member of Parliament, Hon. Matthew Nyindam, and reaffirms the primacy of the Constitution, due process and electoral finality in our democracy,” the statement said.
Following the judgment, the Minority called for the immediate and formal withdrawal of any administrative notices or actions suggesting that the Kpandai parliamentary seat is vacant. It stressed that parliamentary and Electoral Commission records must accurately reflect the Supreme Court’s decision and the continued mandate of Hon. Nyindam.
The Minority also demanded a comprehensive internal review within Parliament, to be led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, to prevent similar situations in the future.
According to the statement, Parliament must ensure that no declaration of vacancy is issued while appeals or applications for stay are pending, unless expressly directed by a final court ruling.
