A Political Scientist, Dr. Isaac Brako, has intimated that the Members of Parliament have placed party interest ahead of national interest in passing the E-levy bill.
Speaking on the positions of both parties on the passage of the E-levy bill, he intimated that although the MPs are pursuing both interests, one is ahead of the other from the observed events which is not ideal.
The current stance by Parliament where law makers are seen maintaining their positions on the levy, Dr. Brako stated, doesn’t come to him as a surprise.
“The National interest is there but the party interest comes first in this issue. When you pursue the party agenda and you are able to tighten up things, that will bring you victory and afterwards they will pursue the national interest.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
According to Dr. Brako, choosing between the national and party interest is a bit difficult. He explained that both parties have the goal of ruling the nation and as they fight for power, it’s the party they get the power for.
“So, whatever they do for the party to achieve that aim to be voted into power becomes their main agenda.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
The Political Scientist averred that, both parties want to do all they can in their power to garner votes in order to gain power. As such, the majority, he said is firm on its position whiles the minority if focused on not making it happen.
“You see, as for this 8th session of Parliament, that entrenched position will still be there. It is the last term of the President and the former President also has only the next four years as the constitution mandates. As a result, the opposition party will do all it can so the party attracts the people’s interest and consider them in the next election.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
Dr. Brako stated the E-levy is coming with the hope that this government will get revenue to use to develop the country. If government undertakes these development, he posited, it will glorify them.
“So, the NDC is telling its members that this thing must not be approved. The Majority is also saying this thing will be approved to achieve their target.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
Touching on if the various governance bodies are failing, he stated that the various governance bodies are not playing their roles well in terms of intervening such issues.
Dr. Brako further noted that the Civil Society Organizations can do their part by urging the law makers to take good decisions which will be beneficial to the nation but the law makers will sadly not use whatever advice they are given.
“But there is saying that you can force a horse to a river side, but you can’t force it to drink. Sometimes, some of these meetings are done behind closed doors and as such might not come to the media. I believe National Peace Council and the other bodies have interacted with these law makers.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
According to him, the recent happenings in Parliament might not help the nation’s governance and democracy as a whole looking at the ongoing coups in surrounding nations.
According to Dr Brako, the Members of Parliament keep behaving the way they do because no one has been sanctioned for misconduct yet.
“They did it for the first time and apologized. The second time, the Speaker and some leaders apologized on behalf of the House and it happened again. If you do something more than thrice, I feel it’s intentional and not a mistake.”
Dr. Isaac Brako
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