Bill to remove max age limit for presidency re-submitted by PPM

A Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) lawmaker has re-submitted a Bill to remove the maximum age cap for presidential eligibility and repeal all amendments made to the provision on presidential candidacy in the Maldivian Constitution.

A similar Bill was recently submitted by PPM lawmaker, Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah but was later withdrawn.

PPM lawmaker, Kelaa MP Ali Arif submitted his bill to repeal the amendments to presidential candidacy this Tuesday morning.

Arif said the lawmakers passed the amendment to place a maximum age limit of 65 years on presidential candidacy in 2015 out of necessity due to circumstances during that time.

“Circumstances have changed now. I am submitting this Bill because I find the circumstances call for it now. There is no maximum age limit for presidency in any other country,” said Arif.

Arif said he, however, believed in a minimum age limit of 35 years.

78 out of 80 lawmakers had voted in support of placing the 65-year maximum age limit on June 24, 2015.

Only former South Galolhu MP Ahmed Mahloof (current Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment) and Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain has voted against the amendment.

All other lawmakers, both PPM and MDP lawmakers, had voted to pass the amendment.