Anti-defection bill ratified
The sign-off means a dozen ex-ruling party MPs, who were already previously contentiously disqualified, have lost their seats in parliament.
14 Mar 2018, 9:00 AM
President Abdulla Yameen Wednesday ratified controversial legal changes to punish convicted judges and lawmakers who defect.
Changes to the Judges Act mean that judges convicted of a criminal offence can be removed from office, without parliament’s involvement, after the appeal process has been completed.
The anti-defection bill penalises floor crossing and unseats a dozen ex-ruling party MPs, who were already previously contentiously disqualified.
The opposition has challenged the legality of Tuesday’s parliament votes on both bills as the ruling coalition lacked the constitutional quorum needed to pass laws.
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