‘MPs can switch parties, but must resign first’

BY NED GAGAHEThe Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has clarified that the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA) does not prevent Members of Parliament (MPs) from joining another political party — provided they formally resign from their current party first.Speaking exclusively to the Island Sun yesterday, Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Gilson Galo, emphasized the importance of following due process for any MP considering a change in party affiliation.“We wish to inform the public that the Political Parties Integrity Act does not restrict MPs from joining another party,” Galo said. “However, those who wish to do so must formally resign from their current political party before joining another.”The clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments and coalition talks following recent parliamentary developments.In addition, the Registrar outlined the legal requirements regarding political coalitions under the PPIA.“If a political party intends to withdraw from, revoke, or rescind an existing coalition agreement, it must give at least 30 days’ notice to the other parties involved in the coalition.”However, there are exceptions, he said.Galo said the 30-day notice requirement does not apply if a political party, through a majority decision, resolves to withdraw from the coalition, or if all parties to the agreement mutually agree to rescind it.The clarification aims to provide transparency and uphold the integrity of political processes, especially during such critical political periods.