Anti-Defection bill, requiring the resignation of parliamentarians upon a change in party affiliation, has been approved. The bill proposed by Parliamentarian Ahmed Abdulla underwent review and evaluation by a temporary committee composed of seven members from the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP). Ultimately, it passed with a majority of 33 votes in favor, with six opposing.
According to the Anti-Defection bill, parliamentarians must resign from their positions upon registering or switching to a different party. The bill stipulates a seven-day period for members to withdraw following such actions. Additionally, it grants parliamentarians the right to submit complaints to the court within seven days of expulsion from their respective party.
While the proposed bill initially included provisions for the expulsion of parliamentarians by the constituents of their respective constituencies, the committee opted to omit this regulation before granting approval.
It's noteworthy that the bill is intended to apply to members of island and city councils in addition to parliament members.