Anti-Defection constitutional amendment ratified

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Anti-Defection constitutional amendment, which mandates that MPs who cross the floor, leave, or are dismissed from their parties will lose their parliamentary seats.

The amendment, submitted on behalf of the government by Hulhudhoo constituency MP Mohamed Shahid of the People's National Congress (PNC), stipulates that MPs elected through political parties will lose their seats if they resign, switch parties, or are expelled. Additionally, the bill states that independent MPs who join a political party during the same term will also lose their seats.

The constitutional amendment requiring public opinion for any changes to Article 262(b) which mandates referendums for amendments to significant constitutional provisions was also passed.

In addition the amendment submitted to introduce stricter regulations regarding the presence of foreign troops in Maldives and the allocation of territory for foreign military purposes had been passed as well.

The initial reading of the Anti-Defection bill took place earlier today. Within one hour of debate, it was forwarded to the Parliament Committee and passed via a roll-call vote without any changes.

While constitutional amendments require at least 70 votes out of the 83 sitting MPs, 78 members voted in favor, while 13 opposed it.

This marks the fastest amendment ever brought to Maldives Constitution.

Constitution amended: Floor crossing will cost MPs their seats

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