The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has taken a decisive step towards curbing political defection by tabling an anti-defection bill in Parliament. The legislation, aimed at preventing lawmakers from crossing the floor, was introduced by Baarah MP Ahmed Abdulla.
During a press conference on Thursday, MDP’s parliamentary group leader Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) highlighted the public’s growing concern over the frequent instances of floor crossing. Despite the submission, the bill’s progression to parliamentary debate has been stalled.
The proposed bill, according to MDP’s legal director Hisaan Hussain, differs significantly from the anti-defection law passed and subsequently repealed in 2018 under the previous administration of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Unlike the earlier legislation that disqualified lawmakers expelled by their parties, the MDP’s version mandates that lawmakers elected on party tickets must resign if they voluntarily leave the party. Additionally, it introduces a recall vote facilitated by the Elections Commission for lawmakers expelled from their parties, empowering constituents to decide on their representative’s fate.
A persistent public demand for mechanisms enabling the recall of parliamentarians has intensified in light of recent instances of party-hopping, underscoring a widespread desire to strengthen the accountability of elected officials.
The public often views recall capabilities as a vital check on parliamentary authority, crucial for ensuring that representatives adhere to the interests and expectations of their constituents.
Internationally, various approaches to recall demonstrate the feasibility of such mechanisms. For example, in the United States, a notable method involves direct recall by voters through a petition process leading to a recall election. Conversely, some European nations empower legislative bodies to initiate recalls, typically necessitating a supermajority vote within parliament. This method underscores the importance of collective decision-making in the legislative domain as a means of maintaining accountability.
In jurisdictions with a strong emphasis on direct democracy, recall referendums emerge as a key aspect, enabling all qualified voters to engage in the decision-making process on whether to unseat an official before the conclusion of their term.
