The government has decided to bring a constitutional amendment to ensure that MPs would lose their seats upon floor crossing and expulsion from their political parties.
This comes amid rumours that some MPs from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) were planning to leave the party and after the High Court was petitioned to quash part of the Anti-Defection Act that requires MPs to resign for floor crossing.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held a meeting with PNC MPs and cabinet ministers at his official residence Muleeaage on Monday afternoon where he announced the decision for the constitutional amendment.
Some PNC MPs told Adhadhu that the bill for a constitutional amendment will be proposed tonight and will be put on the agenda for tomorrow's Parliament sitting.
They also noted that the bill will be fast-tracked to ensure it gets approved tomorrow. Although there are some MPs who are against the amendment, only a few expressed their opinion at today's meeting.
Muizzu decided to introduce this amendment two days after he criticized the country's tourism businesses.
At a rally held on Sunday night to mark his government's first anniversary, Muizzu challenged those who opposed his dollar exchange policy and insisted that the rules would not be changed.
"We are not going to change this rule. We will not change it. I'm saying this very clearly, we will not change this rule. They will have to exchange 500 dollars. It is compulsory for everyone to follow this rule," he warned.
He claimed that this was being done in accordance with the Constitution and that a foreign exchange law would be introduced through the Parliament to give legal authority to the new rules.
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told MPs at today's meeting that the amendment was needed to get rid of the influence of businessmen.
The Anti-Defection Act passed in the last days of the 19th Parliament was ratified by Muizzu earlier this year.
An individual named Mohamed Anees, who does not belong to any political party, petitioned the High Court yesterday, seeking repeal of Clause 3 of the Anti-Defection Act, claiming that requiring MPs to resign is unconstitutional.
Article 261 of the Constitution states the Constitution may be amended by a Bill passed by a three-quarters majority of the total membership of the People's Majlis. This means the Constitution can be changed with the votes of 70 MPs.
Composition of seats
- PNC 75
- MDP 12
- MDA 2
- Independent 2
- JP 1
- MNP 1
