Parliament summons Afari Gyan over postponed assembly elections

Parliament has summoned the chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Kwadwo Afari Gyan to appear before the House and answer questions on the postponed District Level elections.

The elections, originally scheduled for Tuesday March 3, 2015 was stopped by the Supreme Court after it ruled in favour of a disqualified aspiring Assembly Member, Eyi Mensah.

In Parliament Tuesday morning, the Minority mooted the idea for the EC Chairman to be quizzed on the development.

The Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Papa Owusu Ankamah said the decision of the Supreme Court raises so many issues which should be of concern to the public and Parliament as well.

He said it was therefore appropriate to invite the Electoral Commission to come and brief the House on the circumstances leading to the process and in the light of the Supreme Court ruling, the way forward so as to calm the anxiety of the public.

The motion was seconded by the Minority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and also supported by the Majority side.

Dr Afari Gyan upon the receipt of the invitation is expected in the House on Thursday.

The Local Government Minister has also been invited to explain how the assemblies would run after the tenure of the present Assembly Members expires on March 16, 2015.

There was a unanimous decision on the invitation of the EC, however the MP for Adansi Asokwa, Mr K.T. Hammond said it was unnecessary to invite the EC boss since, Dr Afari Gyan has always touted himself as an autonomous body and does not “respect” any institution.

He argued that Dr Afari Gyan may decide to appear before the House and not even say anything and therefore he should not be invited.

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