SPEAKER RULES MATTHEW NYINDAM CAN REMAIN IN PARLIAMENT UNTIL DECEMBER 1 DESPITE COURT ANNULMENT
Alban Bagbin clarifies that a 7-day automatic stay of execution from the High Court's ruling allows the Kpandai MP to continue parliamentary duties while he exercises his right to appeal.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has officially ruled that Matthew Nyindam remains the legitimate Member of Parliament for Kpandai and can participate in parliamentary business until at least December 1, 2025, despite a High Court order annulling his election.
The clarification came during a parliamentary session on Thursday, November 27, following the Tamale High Court’s decision to nullify the 2024 parliamentary results in the Kpandai constituency due to electoral irregularities.
Speaker Bagbin explained that under the Court of Appeal rules, the filing of a notice of appeal automatically triggers a seven-day stay of execution of the High Court’s ruling. Since the judgment was delivered on November 24, this stay remains in effect until December 1.
“During this period, the High Court ruling cannot form the basis for the Speaker to instruct the Clerk to notify the Electoral Commission that the Kpandai seat is vacant,” Bagbin stated.
He further noted that if Mr. Nyindam exercises his right to appeal, the enforcement of the High Court judgment could be further suspended until the appeal is resolved.
“This is not a declaratory order; it is an executive order delivered by the High Court,” the Speaker affirmed, concluding that the MP was right to participate in House proceedings during this period.
The Tamale High Court had ordered a fresh election in the constituency after finding substantial evidence of irregularities in 41 polling stations, but the legal process now allows the incumbent MP a window to maintain his seat while pursuing an appeal.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
