Local parliamentarian has expressed concerns over recently proposed anti-defection law by ruling party's parliamentary group leader.
Vilufushi constituency lawmaker Riyaz Rasheed has stated the law should not contradicted with the existing Maldives Constitution at any means.
In his debate Riyaz had asserted that lawmakers do not lose their parliamentary seats neither would be summoned for investigation over their actions in parliament floor, which cited in the constitution. He also pointed out that according to the constitution the only authority to depose lawmakers under the local constitution is the country's top court.
Riyaz argued the anti-defection law should in all its importance complement the existing constitution otherwise it would be regarded illegitimate.
The lawmaker pointed out his concern over the bill supposedly granting Elections Commission power to remove parliamentarians or take actions against them, adding the electoral watchdog should not be granted such authority. He noted that the bill not have his backing should it proceed in its current course of action.
He also stressed that he would support clauses or any future amendments which would restrain floor-crossing exclusively without further addition of clauses to the bill.
Meanwhile members of the opposition have continuously reiterated the anti-defection bill colludes with the constitution and should not get parliament approval.
