Speaker says constitutional amendment ensures MPs integrity
The speaker highlighted that similar measures had been considered by previous administrations but were not enacted at the constitutional level.
Parliament speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said that the ratified constitutional amendment, disqualifying Members of Parliament (MPs) who change parties, is a significant step toward safeguarding the integrity of parliament and upholding the rights of the people.
Parliament approved the constitutional amendment on Wednesday, outlining four circumstances under which an MP would lose their seat, including being expelled from their political party. The amendment was introduced, passed and ratified on the same day.
The specific provisions state that an MP will lose their seat if they:
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Leave the political party under which they were elected.
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Join another political party during their term.
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Are expelled from their party in accordance with legal provisions.
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Join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate.
In an interview with PSM, Abdul Raheem emphasised the importance of the amendment, noting that most MPs are elected based on their party’s ideology. He argued that MPs changing parties mid-term undermines the trust and rights of their constituents.
"99% of MPs are elected on a particular party’s ideology. When they switch parties for personal gain, it violates the rights of the people. This amendment ensures the integrity of members and prioritises the interests of the people over individual agendas," he said.
The speaker highlighted that similar measures had been considered by previous administrations but were not enacted at the constitutional level. He credited the current Progressive National Congress (PNC) majority in Parliament for taking decisive action.
"This amendment marks a change that previous governments hesitated to make. It aligns with President Mohamed Muizzu's campaign pledge to implement reforms that will set the country on the right track," he added.
