Attorney General: There are no legal problems in the amendment changing age

Attorney General Mohamed Anil has said that there are no legal problems with the amendment to the constitution changing the candidacy age for Presidents and Vice Presidents to 30 – 65 years.

Speaking to Sun Media about the change brought to the constitution, Attorney General Anil said that Article 109 of the Constitution previously stated the age for candidates for President and the Vice President as well meaning that by the Constitution, the posts requires an age group.

The Attorney General said that there are two things to consider about the amendment. One of those is to see if the Parliament has the power to bring a change like this.

“It’s clear in Article 70 that the Parliament has the power to bring changes to the constitution.” Attorney General said.

Article 70 of the Constitution says, “All the power of making laws in Maldives lies with Parliament.”

Attorney General Anil said that the second thing to consider is whether a general election has to be held to make such an amendment.

“Article 262 of the Constitution has clearly stated the circumstances where a general election has to be held regarding amendments to Constitution. That does not include amendments to Article 109.” Attorney General said.

The Constitution calls for a general election before the President ratifies a bill in regards to changes to Articles in Basic Rights and Independence, age of Parliament MPs, Presidential terms and Presidential election.

Some lawyers have criticized the first amendment to the Green Constitution to set the age of candidates to President and the Vice President.