Fahmy Commends Proposal to Ban Floor Crossings in Parliment

Hussain Fahmy, Managing Director of the State Electric Company (STELCO), has applauded the government for proposing a law in parliament to ban floor crossings. 

He posted on X that the initiative is a commendable step towards strengthening democracy and an important development in strengthening the existing Anti-Defection Act. 

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The changes were proposed in a constitutional amendment submitted to parliament by the ruling party MP for Hulhudhoo Mohamed Shahid today. It seeks to address the issues of floor crossing, where elected representatives switch party allegiances during their term.

“I urge all parliamentarians to prioritize and pass this legislation swiftly, drawing lessons from established practices in developed nations like the UK and the USA”, he wrote.

Fahmy believes it undermines public trust, disrupts governance, and encourages unethical behaviours. He also believes banning floor crossings could help foster a corruption-free democracy, enhance political stability, and reinforce judicial independence.

Fahmy explained that the proposed law would promote transparency and accountability in the legislative process, ensuring that representatives remain committed to their mandate. He also highlighted the potential for the reform to reduce political influence over the judiciary, allowing it to better uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental rights. Fahmy emphasised that similar anti-defection laws in other countries have effectively advanced democratic stability.

Fahmy concluded by calling the proposal a historic opportunity for the Maldives to strengthen its democratic framework and safeguard the political integrity of its political institutions, urging all stakeholders to support the reform for a more accountable future of the nation.

Earlier this year, the parliament passed an Anti-Defection Law proposing similar changes. However, the law made it incumbent on the MP to resign if they switched parties during their term.