Bagbin expresses disappointment over lack of female candidates in Ayawaso East by-election
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed disappointment that no political party contesting the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election has fielded a female candidate.
Speaking at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, Bagbin emphasised that political representation must start at the party level before it translates into Parliament.
“Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said.
He added that he had hoped at least one party would present a woman as its parliamentary candidate for the March 3 by-election.
“I was waiting for any party to field a female candidate. I would have personally supported her because we need more women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” Bagbin stated.
The by-election follows the death of the sitting MP, Mahama Naser Toure, in January while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has revoked the membership of Mohammed Umar Sanda for contesting the seat as an independent candidate, calling it a violation of the party constitution.
Source: Sekunde FM
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