COLOMBO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tuesday ratified the Anti-Defection Bill, which grants legal enforcement for lawmakers to lose their parliament seats upon floor crossing.

The President's Office, in an announcement, said the bill was approved on April 1, 2024.

Local media reported that the bill was proposed by Member of Parliament (MP) Ahmed Abdulla, who represents the parliament's majority, Maldivian Democratic Party.

President's Office said the new law governs MPs, atoll and island councilors, and members of Women's Development Committees (WDCs).

All in the above categories would now be required to resign from their political positions should they switch political parties, the announcement said.

Under the Anti-Defection Bill, councilors, and members of WDCs would lose their seats, if they resigned from the parties through which they were elected or switched political parties, and if independent members signed for political parties. Enditem

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