MDP Resubmits Anti-Defection Bill Amid Party Switching Concerns

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has reintroduced an Anti-Defection Bill to parliament, aiming to address concerns over members switching parties. 

The bill proposes that any member defecting to a party other than the one through which they were elected would forfeit their seat.

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This move echoes a previous attempt during the 18th parliament, when MDP initially submitted a similar bill but withdrew it after a change in government.

The resurgence of the bill follows a series of defections by several MDP members to join the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

MP Ahmed Abdulla spearheaded the submission of the new bill.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, MDP MP Hisaan Hussain highlighted the key differences between the current proposal and previous versions. She noted that one major concern with previous drafts was the automatic vacancy of a member’s seat if they were dismissed from their political party.

Hussain stressed that granting such power to political parties could unduly influence parliamentary representation. In contrast, the new bill proposes a recall vote by the Elections Commission in the constituency of the dismissed member. Only if constituents vote against the member would their seat be vacated.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any member voluntarily leaving their party must also resign from their parliamentary seat.

Hussain emphasized that the bill was meticulously crafted to mitigate undue party influence while addressing public apprehensions.

Despite its submission to parliament, Hussain acknowledged administrative obstacles in placing the bill on the agenda but did not provide specifics.