Professor Joshua Alabi, the Campaign Manager for the John Mahama Campaign Team, has cautioned the newly elected Majority Caucus in Parliament against rubber-stamping decisions without proper scrutiny.
He expressed concerns over any attempts by the new Majority to exploit their two-thirds majority to push through proposals from the executive without critical assessment.
Speaking during an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Professor Alabi underscored the need for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to exercise its parliamentary majority responsibly and diligently.
He urged the caucus to carefully consider the long-term impact of their actions, reminding them that they would ultimately be held accountable by the electorate.
“Once the people decide on a two-thirds majority for the NDC, it means that they want us to use our numerical strength wisely and also use it in their interest. It means that they have tested a slight majority, hung Parliament and they believe that this time, we should test to see what this can do for all of us.
“Some people believe that when you have a two-thirds majority, then it means it’s going to be a rubber stamp Parliament. But I don’t believe in that, because it’s only 4 years that you have to go back to the people to account.
“So whatever you do, you should have the people in mind and tell yourself that in two and half years, you may start another campaign.
“And what are you going to tell them and how did you use the two-thirds majority?… If any of the programmes require parliamentary approval, they expect us to use the two-thirds majority they voted for.
“And I’m sure this is what they would be expecting from us. And not to use that to intimidate or to always rubber stamp what the executive brings to Parliament.”