Barbados prime minister tables constitutional amendment on party defections

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has tabled a Constitution (Amendment) Bill that would require Members of Parliament elected on a party ticket to vacate their seats if they formally change political allegiance. [ . . . ] Under the proposed framework, notice of a member’s resignation, expulsion or defection would be submitted to the Speaker by the Leader of Government Business or the Leader of Opposition Business, as applicable. The Speaker would then make a declaration at the next sitting. In cases of resignation or expulsion, the MP would have 14 days to challenge the matter in court before any vacancy takes effect. The Prime Minister said the amendment is intended to strengthen democratic accountability, support stability in governance and provide a clear constitutional process for resolving political disputes.
Read the full article here: Barbados Today