MP Ibrahim voices support for age restriction for running for president, vice president

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group Leader and Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that he supports the Bill on Amendment to the Constitution proposing to change the age under qualifications for election as president and vice president, to between 30 and 65.

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made this remark during the debate on the bill at the parliament today.

He said that making amendments to the constitution is a serious matter, but stressed that it must be done as required following changes in circumstances and situations.

He also urged not to make such amendments to secure benefits to a particular person or a particular group of people.

The bill was submitted by Hoarafushi MP Mohamed Ismail.

Presently, there is no upper limit in terms of age for running for president. Article 109 of the Constitution states that a person elected as president shall be at least of 35 years of age.

As for the vice president, Article 112 states that the qualifications shall be the same as those for the president.

Presenting the bill at the parliament sitting today, Mohamed Ismail said that the bill proposes to lower the age from 35 to 30 to give young people, who are qualified and capable enough for the role of president, the opportunity to run for president.

He said that the age restriction of 65 was proposed because the job is stressful and entails high responsibilities, and because 65 is stated as the age for retirement in the Pension Act.