President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution, introducing stringent anti-defection measures aimed at preserving political stability within the Maldives.

The amendment, passed during the Parliament’s 52nd sitting on November 20, 2024, establishes new conditions under which Members of Parliament (MPs) can lose their seats.

The amendment adds subsection (e) to Article 73 of the Constitution, specifying that MPs will lose their seats if:

- They defect from the political party under whose ticket they were elected.

- They join a political party after being elected as an independent candidate.T

- hey voluntarily leave or are expelled from their political party while in office.

The changes aim to address concerns about political instability caused by floor crossing and party switching among lawmakers during their terms.

The amendment, sponsored by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, was debated and approved by Parliament's Whole House Committee earlier today.

It secured overwhelming support, with 78 lawmakers voting in favor and 13 opposing it, surpassing the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.

The President’s ratification comes amidst protests by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), whose lawmakers and supporters have expressed concerns over the rushed passage of the bill without extensive stakeholder consultations.

South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem of the MDP had proposed amendments during the committee review to introduce a recall vote mechanism and consult broader stakeholders before passing the bill.

However, both proposals were rejected by a majority vote.

The MDP has criticized the amendment as a move to consolidate power by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a parliamentary supermajority.

Demonstrations against the bill escalated outside the Parliament, with clashes between MDP protestors and pro-government demonstrators requiring police intervention.

With the President's ratification, the Sixth Amendment now serves as a constitutional safeguard against political defections.

It reinforces party loyalty and accountability by ensuring MPs adhere to the mandates of their respective political parties or independent status throughout their term in office.