Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised significant concerns regarding the voting dynamics in Ghana, asserting that he has supported parliamentary candidates from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) despite not being a member of either party. He emphasized that voting for a candidate does not equate to endorsing their political party.
In a post on Facebook, he pointed out that while Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected primarily through party support, they have a responsibility to represent their entire constituency. This includes passing laws, approving loans, and scrutinizing government expenditures on behalf of all citizens, rather than solely their party members.
He criticized the precedent set by Speaker Mike Oquaye in 2020 when the Fomena MP was expelled for intending to run as an independent candidate. Azure argued that such actions could render MPs ineffective, compelling them to conform to party lines at the expense of national interests. He warned that this could lead to MPs becoming mere “dummies,” unable to advocate for what is right if it contradicts their party’s agenda.
Furthermore, Azure expressed concern over the implications of punishing MPs who contest elections outside their parties. He stated that this practice could undermine parliamentary integrity and democracy in Ghana, as it may deter MPs from standing firm on issues crucial to the nation, fearing expulsion or backlash from their political parties.
In his recent work, “The President Ghana Never Got,” Azure noted that many MPs voiced frustrations about their lack of independence, feeling pressured to align with party directives or risk losing their positions in future elections. He concluded that an MP’s decision regarding future candidacy should not jeopardize their current parliamentary role, as this would ultimately harm both the parliament and the democratic process in Ghana.
Source: newslinkghana.com