Case filed at High Court to Contest Anti-Defection Act

A case has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of a law requiring Members of Parliament (MPs) to resign if they switch political parties.  

The High Court confirmed today that an individual had submitted the case, seeking a ruling to repeal certain provisions of the law. Details regarding the specific articles being challenged have not yet been disclosed.  

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The Anti-Defection Bill, which mandates MPs to resign within seven days of changing their party affiliation, was originally introduced in the previous parliament, where the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), now in opposition, held a majority. It was ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in April this year.  

The original draft of the bill stated that MPs would be expelled if they switched parties. However, the final version included amendments requiring MPs to resign voluntarily within the stipulated timeframe. The legislation does not specify what actions, if any, will be taken if an MP fails to comply.