In a significant legislative development, the Maldivian Parliament today approved the Anti-Defection Bill, a move hailed by the President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdullah Shahid, as a crucial step towards enhancing the power of the electorate.
The Anti-Defection Act, which mandates the resignation of members who switch parties, garnered a resounding 33 votes in favor, underscoring broad support for the measure among lawmakers.
Addressing the media following the parliamentary session, President Shahid attributed the initiation of the bill to the MDP parliamentary group, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing key reforms aimed at fortifying the political landscape of the Maldives.
Describing the Anti-Defection Bill as a milestone in bolstering political stability and empowering citizens, President Shahid emphasized its potential to instill greater confidence in the democratic system. He stressed the importance of ensuring that elected representatives remain aligned with the party they were elected under, thereby reinforcing accountability and transparency in governance.
President Shahid urged swift approval of the bill by the President, emphasizing the urgency of its implementation without delay to uphold democratic principles and safeguard the interests of the electorate.
Under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Bill, elected officials, including Members of Parliament and councilors, face mandatory resignation under three specified circumstances: defection from the elected party, affiliation with a different political entity, or self-nomination.
The Anti-Defection Act, which mandates the resignation of members who switch parties, garnered a resounding 33 votes in favor, underscoring broad support for the measure among lawmakers.
Addressing the media following the parliamentary session, President Shahid attributed the initiation of the bill to the MDP parliamentary group, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing key reforms aimed at fortifying the political landscape of the Maldives.
Describing the Anti-Defection Bill as a milestone in bolstering political stability and empowering citizens, President Shahid emphasized its potential to instill greater confidence in the democratic system. He stressed the importance of ensuring that elected representatives remain aligned with the party they were elected under, thereby reinforcing accountability and transparency in governance.
President Shahid urged swift approval of the bill by the President, emphasizing the urgency of its implementation without delay to uphold democratic principles and safeguard the interests of the electorate.
Under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Bill, elected officials, including Members of Parliament and councilors, face mandatory resignation under three specified circumstances: defection from the elected party, affiliation with a different political entity, or self-nomination.
