Chief Spokesperson of the Progressive Coalition, Heena Waleed has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is seeking legal advice before ratifying the anti-defection bill passed by the parliament to prevent party switching after getting elected to the parliament, including Atoll and Island Councils as well as Women's Development Committees in the bill.

Heena's comments come after former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the delay in ratifying the bill by President Muizzu was a clear hindrance to democracy.

President Solih was speaking in Gaafu Alif Maamendhoo as part of the parliamentary election campaign while stating this. As such he said that the President's failure to gazette such an important law at such an important time is an open obstruction of democracy.

Heena told a news conference today that the bill was sent to the President's Office at 9:35 pm on April 7 after the parliament passed the bill. She noted that the President is currently seeking legal advise before the ratification of the bill, since he is allowed to do so.

Article 91 of the Constitution gives the President 15 days to approve the bill or send it back to Parliament for reconsideration, she said.

“According to the Interpretation and Rules Act, the deadline for ratification of the bill expires on April 22,” Heena said.