TDP candidates asked to pledge to scrap MPs’ immunity

The document, dated October 18, covers 50 prospective candidates across all six electoral districts ahead of the December 6 general election. Each candidate will be asked to sign an individual copy.

Under the pledge, candidates elected to Parliament would support proposals to remove immunity beyond parliamentary speech and voting, back the repeal of Article 84(2) of the Constitution and undertake not to oppose requests to lift their own immunity.

The party said protection for parliamentary contributions remained essential to democracy, allowing MPs to speak freely, scrutinise the government and express their views without fear.

However, it argued that wider immunity had become a shield against investigation, prosecution and accountability, undermining public confidence in politics and the principle of equality before the law.

The pledge asks candidates to commit to the statement: “I will fight for the abolition of all immunity except immunity for parliamentary speech.”

The TDP said MPs should not enjoy privileges that place them above ordinary citizens, and that equality before the law was a prerequisite for political life.

Prepared by the party’s general secretariat, the document is described as a voluntary public declaration. Signed copies will be retained by the TDP and may be shared during candidate publicity campaigns.