The ruling PNC party has decided to propose an amendment to the constitution, seeking to introduce an anti-defection clause in the Constitution to prevent floor-crossing.

According to information confirmed to One Online, PNC has drafted a Bill to bring the constitutional amendment, and has also decided to approve the Bill in tomorrow's Majlis session. The Bill will be submitted to the Majlis by MP Mohamed Shahid of Hulhudhoo constituency.

It is understood that while the PNC's parliamentary group held a meeting about this today, some members opposed the Bill. However, the PG group has decided to approve the Bill in tomorrow's session.

According to the Bill proposed by PNC, members will be dismissed from membership upon leaving the party they were elected from, changing parties, an independent elected member joining a party, or being expelled from the party they were elected from.

According to information received by One Online, work is being done to pass the bill quickly because some members are working to change parties. However, the PNC's PG group has not officially commented on this.

The Bill is being submitted to the Majlis while a private individual recently filed a case in the High Court to change some provisions of the Anti-Defection Act that was passed to make members of the People's Majlis, as well as Atoll Councils, Island Councils and Women's Development Committees lose their seats if they change to a party other than the one they were elected from.

That Bill was passed in the 20th sitting of the first session of this year's People's Majlis held on April 1, 2024. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified that bill on April 15.

According to that law, if a member changes parties, they must resign from membership. However, if they do not resign, there is no action that can be taken under the law.