The Elections Commission has announced its decision to implement changes that will allow individuals to withdraw from political parties instantly, effective from January. Currently, the Commission processes withdrawal requests submitted through its online portal within a 14-day period. Elections Commission Vice President, Abdul Rahman Salih Rasheed, stated that while the portal already facilitates withdrawal requests from general members, the new system, enabling immediate withdrawal, will come into effect on January 1st of next year.
Mr. Salih clarified that despite these changes, the process might take longer for individuals holding senior positions within political parties when they seek to withdraw. He explained that this extended timeframe is necessary because positions such as party chairperson, president, treasurer, and registrar are recorded officially by the Commission, requiring an update to these records. It is important to note that, under the Constitution, a Member of Parliament forfeits their seat if they withdraw from the political party they were elected under or switch parties. Similarly, recent amendments to the law stipulate that councilors will also lose their seats if they change parties or withdraw. However, Mr. Salih affirmed that even for such individuals, requests submitted through the portal to withdraw from a party will be processed instantly starting from January.
Mr. Salih also highlighted that the current process for joining a political party takes three days and mentioned that discussions are underway to modify this to an instant process as well. He further explained that these changes are being introduced in response to complaints regarding the 14-day waiting period hindering individuals who wish to withdraw from one party to contest a position in another party’s internal elections or stand for a seat. Additionally, there have been grievances about some parties allegedly preventing members from withdrawing.
