Amendment proposed to disallow running for presidency after 65

An amendment has been proposed to the Constitution, to disallow running for presidency after the age of 65.

The amendment bill was filed by Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) member, Hoarafushi MP Mohamed Ismail.

If passed, this amendment means that former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim will no longer be able to run for presidency. Gayoom will turn 77 and Gasim 65 this year.

Mohamed Ismail said that the purpose was to have an age cap for running for presidency.

Article 109 of the Constitution, which describes the qualifications for election as president, states that a person elected as president shall be at least 35 years of age.