MALAWI: Age Limit Bill For Presidential Candidates Sparks Controversy In Malawi

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

A proposed bill that aims to introduce age limits for presidential candidates in Malawi, is set to be presented to Parliament.

The bill seeks to lower the minimum age requirement from 35 to 30 years and cap the maximum age at 80 years.

However, the proposal has been met with controversy, with the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) alleging that the bill is targeting its leader, Peter Mutharika.

The DPP secretary general, Peter Mukhitho, claims that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is behind the bill.

The Malawi Network of Older Persons (MANEPO) has also expressed opposition to the bill, describing it as “retrogressive, undemocratic, and completely based on erroneous assumptions.”

MANEPO argues that the bill infringes upon the democratic rights of Malawians and perpetuates ageism.

The proposal has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders, with some questioning its timing. The Parliamentary Business Committee had initially agreed not to table the Age Limit Bill, but it seems the proposal is still moving forward.

The High Court of Malawi recently dismissed a case challenging the proposed bill, ruling that the lawsuit was improperly filed.

However, the court’s decision did not address the substantive constitutional issues raised by the plaintiff, leaving room for potential future legal challenges.

As the bill heads to Parliament, it remains to be seen how it will be received and whether it will become law. The proposal has already sparked significant debate and controversy, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the issue.