Politics & Government
Anti-Defection Laws and Party Discipline
Quick fact
India's Anti-Defection Law (1985) of India disqualified legislators who defy party whips, leading to a sharp reduction in party switching. However, it also concentrated power in party leadership, often at the expense of legislators' individual judgment and voter accountability.
Why this is interesting
In many democracies, a legislator who votes against their party after being elected can be thrown out of office. How does a law designed to prevent betrayal reshape the entire balance of power between voters, representatives, and party leaders?