Activists oppose age limit bill tabling
Critics are calling the alleged proposed age limit bill poorly timed, as it comes just six months before Malawi’s September 16 elections.
Reports say the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) plans to table the bill in the next parliamentary sitting, but many see it as a deliberate move to block Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika, who is 83.
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.
Recently, the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also condemned the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) over its alleged plan to introduce an age limit bill, calling it a deliberate move to block former President Peter Mutharika from contesting in the September 2025 elections.
About The Author
