Ismail Habeeb Responds to Speculation on Parliamentary Members’ Party Switching

Former Deputy Chairman of Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) Ismail Habeeb addressed speculations regarding the potential party switching by newly elected parliamentary members before the next assembly convenes.

Habeeb’s statements come amidst concerns over the fate of the six independent members who recently aligned themselves with the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC).

In reference to Article 73(c) of the Maldives Constitution, which outlines conditions for disqualification from election or as a sitting MP, Habeeb clarified that not all six members joining the PNC fall under these stipulations.

Moreover, he highlighted Article 3(e) of the recently ratified Anti-Defection Bill, which grants elected members the right to change their political affiliations before the commencement of the parliamentary assembly.

Habeeb underscored the protection of rights bestowed by Articles 30, 59, 63, 69, and 73(e) of the Constitution, asserting that these cannot be overridden by additional legislation.

Concerns have been raised regarding the extension of constitutionally mandated conditions into separate legislation, particularly regarding the circumstances leading to the potential loss of parliamentary seats.

In response to these concerns, a proposed bill aims to integrate the conditions outlined in Article 73 of the Constitution into the recently enacted Anti-Defection Bill to ensure effective enforcement.

With 66 members from the PNC securing parliamentary seats in the election, the addition of these members will bolster the ruling party’s representation to 72 MPs in the upcoming assembly, reinforcing its super-majority status.

The number of constituencies for the upcoming assembly has been expanded to 93 seats.