PNC Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Address Party Defections

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has announced plans to introduce a constitutional amendment aimed at regulating parliamentary membership in cases of party defection. 

The proposal follows a High Court petition challenging the constitutionality of provisions within the Anti-Defection Act. The current law requires MPs to resign if they change their political affiliation.

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PNC stated that the party’s parliamentary group has reviewed the draft bill and intends to proceed with its passage. The proposed amendment identifies four specific scenarios in which an MP could lose their seat. These include an independent member joining a political party, a member switching to a party other than the one under which they were elected, a member leaving the party under which they were elected, and a member being expelled from their party.

Some MPs are advocating for an expedited timeline for the bill’s introduction, with suggestions that it could be tabled as early as Wednesday. The bill’s progression, however, will depend on the final approval of the parliamentary group.

The proposed changes have sparked debate, particularly concerning their potential impact on independent candidates who joined the PNC after their election but before being sworn in. These individuals are officially recognised as PNC representatives in parliament. Questions have been raised about how the amendment might affect their status.

The PNC’s initiative has attracted significant attention. Observers view it as a key development in efforts to address political realignments and strengthen the integrity of parliamentary processes.