Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed deep concern over what he described as the undermining of democratic processes in the Kpandai parliamentary seat matter.
The issue arises after MP Martin Nyindam filed an appeal challenging a High Court order mandating a rerun of the 2024 parliamentary election. Despite the ongoing legal process, Parliament declared the Kpandai seat vacant, and the Electoral Commission (EC) subsequently set a date for the by-election.
Dr. Bawumia criticized both Parliament and the EC for proceeding while the appeal and judicial review are still pending. He described the haste in executing the election rerun as “indecent” and contrary to democratic principles.
“To say the least, I’m very disappointed with what is going on. It looks like our institutions and tenets of democracy are being undermined,” Dr. Bawumia said in an interview.
He noted that similar election disputes in Ghanaian politics, such as those involving Dan Abodakpi and Takyi Quaison, were allowed to proceed through the courts before Parliament intervened. “Martin Nyindam should be given his day in court. He has filed appeals at the High Court and a judicial review at the Supreme Court. None of these cases have been adjudicated, so why the rush?” he asked.
Dr. Bawumia warned that sidelining judicial processes in favor of political expediency could weaken the pillars of democracy, with serious consequences for the nation. “Simply because you have power, you shouldn’t feel that you can run roughshod over your opponents and the principles of democracy,” he stated.
He called on all stakeholders to respect Ghana’s democratic institutions and halt the by-election until the courts have concluded their proceedings, emphasizing that democracy is “precious” and must be upheld.
