Minister for Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs Soroi Eoe has clarified the legal basis and purpose of recent administrative measures taken under the District Development Authority (DDA) Act 2014 when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant.
Minister Eoe said that the DDA Act legitimately supports short-term administrative continuity where a member of pparliament’s seat is vacant. Its provisions enable DDA to remain operational so essential services, budgets and grant disbursements continue without interruption.
“However, the Act does not, on its face, empower the Executive to replace judicial resolution of electoral disputes or to convert an unelected acting Chair into a substitute for an elected Member of Parliament. “Any acting appointment under the DDA framework is temporary and limited to administrative functions- until the office of the Member of Parliament is occupied,” Eoe said.
The Minister reaffirms his commitment to the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and the independence of the judiciary.
Eoe said all actions taken under the DDA Act are intended solely to protect service delivery and financial continuity in affected districts, not to interfere with ongoing judicial processes or to usurp electoral or parliamentary functions.
The Minister invites any concerned party to raise specific legal or factual issues through the appropriate statutory or judicial channels so they may be addressed promptly and in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
“Any allegations of improper conduct, abuse of office, or misappropriation involving any District Development Authority should be referred to the Department,” Minister Eoe added.
