Mamigili MP and Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim accused the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of being the first to encourage party-switching among parliament members.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament House on Thursday following the Presidential Statement, Gasim addressed the opposition's criticism of the government's proposed constitutional amendment to disqualify MPs who switch parties from retaining their seats.
He argued that the MDP itself had previously implemented measures that effectively forced members to resign if they left the party, even though the move was unconstitutional. He claimed that the MDP government had passed a law depriving members of their seats but failed to formally amend the Constitution due to insufficient support in Parliament.
Gasim emphasized that political parties would naturally take steps to safeguard their interests. He attributed the recent criticisms of President Mohamed Muizzu to the opposition's fear of losing influence less than three months after the new administration came to power.
Highlighting the historical context, Gasim noted that in 2009, the MDP initially secured 26 seats in Parliament. By the end of the term, the party had increased its representation to 35 seats through defections from other political parties.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament House on Thursday following the Presidential Statement, Gasim addressed the opposition's criticism of the government's proposed constitutional amendment to disqualify MPs who switch parties from retaining their seats.
He argued that the MDP itself had previously implemented measures that effectively forced members to resign if they left the party, even though the move was unconstitutional. He claimed that the MDP government had passed a law depriving members of their seats but failed to formally amend the Constitution due to insufficient support in Parliament.
Gasim emphasized that political parties would naturally take steps to safeguard their interests. He attributed the recent criticisms of President Mohamed Muizzu to the opposition's fear of losing influence less than three months after the new administration came to power.
Highlighting the historical context, Gasim noted that in 2009, the MDP initially secured 26 seats in Parliament. By the end of the term, the party had increased its representation to 35 seats through defections from other political parties.
