Independent MP-Elect Shamin Joins Ruling PNC

The PNC confirmed Shamin's decision on X, announcing his addition to the party. With Shamin's membership, the PNC's parliamentary presence has grown to 74 seats, further solidifying its supermajority.

Shamin emerged victorious in a four-way contest for the Kurendhoo seat, competing against former Deputy Economic Minister Adam Thaufeeq (PNC), current Hulhumale' MP Ali Niyaz (MDP), and current Kurendhoo MP Abdul Ghani Abdul Hakeem.

Shamin is the latest independent MP-elect to join the ruling party, following others such as Dr. Anara Naeem (Huraa), Yaseen Abdulla (Naifaru), Azim Abdul Aziz (Vilingili), Hassan Zareer (Mathiveri), Ahmed Zameer (Central Machchangolhi), and Mohamed Rasheed (Nolhivaram).

In response to these shifts, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed an Anti-Defection Bill, recently ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which prohibits floor-crossing by independent MPs during parliamentary terms. However, the law does not address MPs switching allegiances before the start of their term.

A separate bill has been submitted to include an anti-defection clause in the Constitution.

The MP-elects of the 20th parliamentary assembly are set to take their oaths on May 28, 2024.