The Prime Minister’s decision to leave the country and to ignore the court decision to convene Parliament is a blatant disregard for a lawful court directive.
The 28 member coalition in a statement considers this conduct a grave disrespect to the rule of law and a serious undermining of the authority of the judiciary for the Prime Minister to convene Parliament within three days.
The three days will lapse on Friday and it is irresponsible of the Prime Minister to ignore the court orders.
“The Prime Minister has departed the country in clear defiance of a court order requiring Parliament to be convened within three days. This raises profound constitutional questions regarding compliance with binding judicial directions and the obligations of the executive under our democratic system,” the Group said.
The statement added it is an international embarrassment that a Prime Minister that has already judicially determined to be unlawfully occupying office while leading a minority government, continues to act in a manner that demonstrates disregard for constitutional accountability, institutional integrity, and public trust.
“Such actions reflect a serious erosion of leadership responsibility and are incompatible with the standards expected of lawful constitutional governance,” it said.
“The Constitution must be obeyed. The Court must be respected. Parliament must sit.”
