The government has proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow members of Parliament to lose their seats through a public referendum in their constituency if they switch political parties.
The amendment was submitted on behalf of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) by its Vice President and Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau. It seeks to expand the conditions under which MPs can be removed from office.
Under the proposed change, if a member of Parliament leaves the party they were elected with, a referendum will be held in their constituency. If the majority of voters support removing the MP, they will lose their seat.
However, if the referendum does not result in a majority for removal, the MP will continue to serve as an independent for the remainder of the five-year parliamentary term. If they later join another party, they will automatically lose their seat.
Currently, the Constitution stipulates that an MP loses their seat if they switch parties during their term, are expelled from their party, or if an independent member joins a political party.
It is notable that the Constitution was previously amended on November 20 last year, with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu approving the change on the same day.
A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court to overturn the amendment, but the case has not yet been heard.