The Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has clarified that the Anti-Defection Act does not apply to independent parliamentarians, addressing inquiries regarding the enforcement of the Act against newly elected members who wish to join a political party.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM news, ECM member Hassan Zakariyya disclosed that the commission has initiated legal research with the formation of a dedicated legal team. This move comes amid escalating debates surrounding the eligibility of newly elected parliamentarians to join political parties.
Zakariyya highlighted Article 3 of the Anti-Defection Act, which delineates the circumstances under which someone may be expelled or voluntarily leaves a party. Notably, these instances include events that occur either upon election as a parliamentarian or during their tenure.
Furthermore, Zakariyya referenced Article 79 of the Constitution, which stipulates that Parliament's term spans five years from its inaugural session. Independently contested and elected members fall outside this jurisdiction, providing clarity on their status regarding party affiliation.
Meanwhile, seven out of the 11 candidates who contested the parliamentary elections independently have joined the ruling party, People's National Congress (PNC). The party has formally notified the ECM of this change.