The recent primaries of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) saw a significant number of incumbent MPs losing their seats, sparking deep concern from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
In the NPP primaries held in January, 28 sitting MPs were defeated, while the NDC primaries last year witnessed 17 MPs losing their bids for candidacy.
Additionally, before the NPP primaries, 19 incumbent MPs decided not to seek re-election, with five NDC MPs making the same decision last year.
Bagbin stressed that the loss of so many MPs represents a significant drain of investment in these legislators, which ultimately harms the nation. Addressing the MPs in the house, the Speaker expressed worry about the message this sends for Ghana’s democratic development and legislation.
Furthermore, Bagbin highlighted that the departure of experienced MPs after a single term in office has negative implications for the nation and urged political parties to take this issue seriously.
Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also appealed to political parties to review their internal election processes to protect sitting MPs, citing the impact of these processes on the efficiency and effectiveness of the parliament’s business and the country’s democracy.
The Speaker’s concern highlights the need for political parties to address these issues and develop strategies to retain experienced MPs in office to safeguard the country’s democratic development and legislative process.
