Ghana‘s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has gained a majority in parliament following the defection of four lawmakers, ahead of the general elections on December 7.
Two members from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), one from the NDC, and one independent MP announced they would run under new affiliations in the upcoming elections.
This is the first time in the fourth republic, which started in 1992, that an opposition party gained majority in parliament.
The Ghanaian constitution prohibits MPs from defecting to run again under a different party or as independents candidates.
In response, parliamentary speaker Alban Bagbin declared the four seats vacant, giving the NDC a slight majority in parliament.
Bagbin said the defection undermines the trust of constituents and could lead to instability in the legislative body.
The parliamentary elections will take place alongside the presidential vote, where Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, and former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, are expected to face off in a highly competitive race.
President Akufo-Addo is stepping down after his second and final four-year term.
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