An Anti-Defection Bill aimed at preventing MPs from switching parties has been introduced in the Parliament.
The bill was introduced by Baarah MP Ahmed Abdullah from the main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The bill's first reading was heard on Wednesday.
The bill comes while some MPs have changed parties after being elected to parliament on the MDP ticket. This includes former President Mohamed Nasheed and 13 members loyal to Nasheed who left the party to form a new party, The Democrats. In addition, 13 MDP members joined the ruling PNC in December last year.
While some speculate that the bill is a response to the exodus of MDP members to join the PNC, MDP clarified that the motivation behind the bill is broader. The party said its aim is to collaborate with MDP-friendly parties as part of the party's efforts to reform the parliament.
