Of the 88 members who participated, 75 voted in favour of the bill, while 13 opposed it.
Parliament Committee today approved a constitutional amendment submitted by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), which mandates that MPs who cross the floor, leave, or are dismissed from their parties will lose their parliamentary seats.
The Anti-Defection Bill, submitted by Hulhudhoo constituency MP Mohamed Shahid from the PNC, was debated and referred to the committee earlier today.
Due to a technical issue with the voting system, a roll-call vote was conducted, where each member’s vote was recorded individually. Of the 88 members who participated, 75 voted in favour of the bill, while 13 opposed it.
With the committee’s approval, Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that a sitting would be held this evening to pass the amendment.
According to the proposed amendment, MPs who are elected through a political party will lose their seats if they resign, switch parties, or are expelled from their party.
Additionally, the amendment stipulates that if an independent MP joins a political party, they will also lose their seat.
In response, MDP's Galolhu South MP, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, submitted an amendment to change the proposed bill.
However, Parliament has rejected the amendment to the Constitution proposed by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, which seeks to affect dismissals of MPs through a vote taken amongst constituents.
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