President Ratifies Landmark Anti-Defection Bill

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Anti-Defection Bill on Tuesday, passed by parliament on 1 April. The law requires elected members (MPs, local council members, women's development committee members) to resign if they defect from their party. The Elections Commission will conduct by-elections for vacancies. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the delay in ratification. A survey by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) found 73% of respondents support disqualifying MPs who cross the floor. The ratification occurred on the final day of the constitutionally mandated 15-day period.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Anti-Defection Bill on Tuesday, passed by parliament on 1 April. The law requires elected members (MPs, local council members, women's development committee members) to resign if they defect from their party. The Elections Commission will conduct by-elections for vacancies. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the delay in ratification. A survey by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) found 73% of respondents support disqualifying MPs who cross the floor. The ratification occurred on the final day of the constitutionally mandated 15-day period.

President Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Anti-Defection Bill on Tuesday, passed by parliament on 1 April. The law requires elected members (MPs, local council members, women's development committee members) to resign if they defect from their party. The Elections Commission will conduct by-elections for vacancies. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticized the delay in ratification. A survey by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) found 73% of respondents support disqualifying MPs who cross the floor. The ratification occurred on the final day of the constitutionally mandated 15-day period.

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