Chitipa South legislator Werani Chilenga will table a petition on the controversial Age Bill in Parliament during the forthcoming Budget Meeting.
According to sources, the petition is appearing on the agenda of the Business Committee currently in progress in Lilongwe.
“I can confirm that the petition is appearing on the Business Committee meeting agenda. It shows honorable Chilenga received the petition from a certain youth organization,” said the source.
The Bill has attracted mixed reactions from politicians and commentators.
The Bill seeks to amend Section 80 (6)(b) of the Constitution which provides for age eligibility of presidential candidates.
Section 80(6) of the Constitution stipulates that a person is eligible for election as President or Vice-President if he or she is a citizen of Malawi by birth or descent and has attained the minimum age of 35, but there is no maximum age cap.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda and vowed to block the intention to table the Bill.
Writing on his Facebook page, Chaponda described the move as retrogressive and vowed to reject the bill outright when the business committee of Parliament meets soon.
“The people of Malawi did not elect the MCP government to pursue personal vendettas or undermine our democracy,” Chaponda warned. “We need a budget that alleviates the suffering of our people, not bills that seek to settle political scores”.
In a press statement, Umunthu for Sustainable Empowerment executive director Prince Mattaka has expressed deep dismay upon learning that certain members of parliament are considering the introduction of an age limit bill intended to bar elderly individuals from contesting the presidency.
“We firmly uphold the belief that every citizen possesses the constitutional right to vote and to pursue any political office, irrespective of age. While we acknowledge that the legal voting age is set at 18, which signifies an individual’s capacity to make informed decisions, it is equally crucial to recognize that age should not be a barrier to candidacy. To impose restrictions on older individuals seeking to contest or vote undermines their rights and dignity.
“We urge our members of parliament to respect and protect the rights of the elderly, who have contributed immensely to our society. Instituting a ban on their participation will only exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities faced by older adults in our nation.
“As we reflect on the passage of time, it is important to remember that we are all destined to age. Thus, policies that discriminate against the elderly today may, in turn, impact each of us in the future. Let us strive to create an inclusive society that honors and values the contributions of our senior citizens,” he said.
National Advocacy Platform Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has warned parliamentarians to proceed with caution, fearing the bill could destabilize the country.
“This is not the right time. The best approach is to leave the constitutional provision as it is and allow Malawians to choose their leaders freely. Addressing this issue after the elections would be more appropriate.”
“Tabling the bill now would seem like an attempt to bar certain individuals from contesting,” said Kondowe.
He added that legal experts are planning a stakeholder conference to discuss broader constitutional amendments, arguing that such a forum is a better platform for these discussions rather than singling out one provision that appears to target specific individuals.
Malawi Network of Older Persons (MANEPO) Executive Director Andrew Kavala also raised concerns about the potential violation of elderly rights.
“Every older person or Malawian should be given equal opportunities. Age should not be a determining factor for access to services or participation in leadership,” said Kavala
