The anti-defection bill has been accepted into parliament on Monday’s sitting.

According to the Anti-Defection Bill, MPs elected on political party tickets, will lose their seat if they leave their party, get expelled, or switch parties.

The bill was proposed by MP Ahmed Nihan, the parliamentary group leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). A three-line whip was issued by the government coalition for Monday’s sitting without any discussion with MPs.

The bill passed on Monday with 35 votes and has been sent to the parliament committee for evaluation. Opposition MPs have continued to boycott the sittings.