The Opposition bloc will challenge Article 17 of the Constitution , passed through a national referendum , will be in court this week.

Opposition Members of Parliament argue that the article restricts their democratic rights as elected representatives of the people.

In an interview with VBTC News, Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau said the Opposition believes Article 17 contradicts Article 27 of the Constitution, which protects MPs’ independence and grants them freedom to express opinions and vote according to their constituents’ interests, not their political parties.

“There is an argument that maybe Article 17 applies outside, but when you enter the Parliament House, the chamber is the door of democracy. Article 17 stays outside. Once you enter that door, Article 27 applies, which states that no member of Parliament can be proceeded against for opinions raised in the exercise of their duties,” Mr. Kalsakau explained.

He said Article 27 exists to protect MPs’ responsibilities to make decisions in the interest of the people who elected them — not their political parties.

“There is a reason why Article 27 protects this place,” he said. “Yes, political parties may nominate candidates, but once a member of Parliament is elected by the people, their duty is to speak and act for them. Inside Parliament, the member represents their constituents, and no political party should interfere with that right.”