The People’s National Convention (PNC) has condemned the recent free-for-all fist fight among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in Parliament.

The party said it found the incident deeply troubling, something that could make the respect that the people have for Parliament wane, and roll back the democratic gains made in the last three decades.

This was contained in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Janet Asana Nabila.

The statement underscored the need for the legislators to find a better way to express their dissent and reminded them to put the national interest ahead of partisan politics.

The PNC criticised what it said was the pursuit of parochial interests instead of the common good, pointing out that, this is unhealthy for the growth of the country’s democracy and development.

It called for the Members of Parliament (MPs) to stick to the Standing Orders of House, to ensure that the business of the House is conducted in an orderly manner.

The PNC urged the Majority in Parliament to engage the Minority to find a common ground on the electronic transaction levy (e-levy), that had generated so much heat.

It also asked the Minority to climb down from its entrenched position to meet the government halfway, considering the challenges the economy is faced with.

The PNC wished the people in the country a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. “It is the prayer of the PNC that our nation becomes prosperous in the coming New Year and beyond.”