A lecturer at the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at KNUST, Dr. Emmanuel De-Graft says independent parliamentary candidates cannot maintain autonomy post-election.
Speaking to Samson Lardy Anyenini on Newsfile, Dr De-Graft stated that independent candidates are unable to avoid a political stance due to procedures in parliament.
"The structure of parliament prevents them from being independent. They cannot survive as independent parliamentary candidates because they work for a political party."
His comment follows a petition by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye to vacate Mr Andrew Asiamah, the MP for the Fomena constituency from his seat in parliament.
The MP for Fomena has been expelled by the party after his refusal to step down as an independent parliamentary candidate.
Reacting to the expulsion, Dr. De-Graft stated that political parties still await the return of former members who have gone independent in parliament.
He explained that the political parties also want the numbers in parliament hence they "get back these independent candidates after winning the election."
According to Dr De-Graft, this results in independent candidates veering to a political stance rather than ensuring the needs of the people are met.
He stated that the candidates are unable to put across the decisions of the people because they are a part of a caucus.
"Every issue in parliament has taken a political stance except those that benefit the parliamentarians."
"They try to do things that will help maintain themselves in parliament, not as an independent candidate but to join their former political parties" he stated.
Latest Stories
-
Cash Waterfall Mechanism report shows significant non-compliance with formula for revenue allocation – Report
2 mins -
Prison officer injured in clash with soldiers in Bawku
6 mins -
SSNIT reserves projected to hit zero in 12 years – ILO
10 mins -
Prestigious Nigerian school closed over bullying reports
15 mins -
Funny Face failed to perform at my show after taking money – Parrot Mouth
21 mins -
CAFCC: Sports Minister to offer Dreams FC a ‘surprise’ package before Zamalek clash
32 mins -
CAF awards 3-0 win to RS Berkane, after Algerian customs confiscated their kits
47 mins -
AgriTech challenge pro holds first pitch
52 mins -
UNIDO commits to improving local rice standards
53 mins -
Suleja prison: 108 inmates on the run in Nigeria
55 mins -
We object to government’s plans to make BEST sole off-taker of Sentuo Oil Refinery – CBOD
1 hour -
Burkina Faso army massacred 223 villagers in revenge attack – HRW
1 hour -
Lebanese Community awards ¢100K in scholarships to 21 students at UniMAC
1 hour -
Germany detains alleged Nigerian mafia members
1 hour -
Manhyia Palace hosts royals, dignitaries from Ghana and beyond at special Awukudee
1 hour