President says no plan to change presidential age limit
Under the current legal framework, candidates must be at least 35 years old to contest for the presidency. No upper age limit is specified.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government has no plans to amend the age eligibility requirements for the presidency.
He made the statement on Monday at a press conference held at the President’s Office, responding to questions regarding possible constitutional amendments.
Under the current legal framework, candidates must be at least 35 years old to contest for the presidency. No upper age limit is specified.
Recent reports had suggested that the Constitution could be amended ahead of the next presidential election to revise these requirements. Critics said such a change could affect eligibility of certain political figures.
Responding to these claims, the President said changes to the age criteria are not under consideration.
“That is not something I have considered at all,” he said.
He added that proposed constitutional amendments have already been communicated to the public.
“The amendments I intend to pursue have been shared,” the President said.
During the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, the Constitution was amended to set the age range for presidential candidates between 30 and 65 years.
Following the 2018 presidential election, the provision was revised to remove the upper age limit, allowing individuals aged 35 and above to contest.
