Maldives Enacts Law to Curb Party Defections

The Maldivian Parliament passed the Anti-Defection Bill, requiring elected officials to resign if they switch party allegiances after being elected. Sponsored by opposition MDP MP Ahmed Abdulla, the bill passed with 33 in favor and 6 against. It applies to lawmakers, local council members, and women's development committees. The legislation follows the defection of 13 MDP lawmakers to President Muizzu's PNC after the 2023 presidential election, which MDP alleges was due to bribery. President Muizzu expressed support for the bill.

The Maldivian Parliament passed the Anti-Defection Bill, requiring elected officials to resign if they switch party allegiances after being elected. Sponsored by opposition MDP MP Ahmed Abdulla, the bill passed with 33 in favor and 6 against. It applies to lawmakers, local council members, and women's development committees. The legislation follows the defection of 13 MDP lawmakers to President Muizzu's PNC after the 2023 presidential election, which MDP alleges was due to bribery. President Muizzu expressed support for the bill.

The Maldivian Parliament passed the Anti-Defection Bill, requiring elected officials to resign if they switch party allegiances after being elected. Sponsored by opposition MDP MP Ahmed Abdulla, the bill passed with 33 in favor and 6 against. It applies to lawmakers, local council members, and women's development committees. The legislation follows the defection of 13 MDP lawmakers to President Muizzu's PNC after the 2023 presidential election, which MDP alleges was due to bribery. President Muizzu expressed support for the bill.

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