Age bill gambit

The corridors of power are active, civil society is on high alert, and the streets are alive with debate.

A proposed Age Bill seeking to redefine who can run for Malawi’s highest office has once again ignited a fierce national conversation—one mixed with suspicion, political maneuvering, and questions about democracy itself.

The bill, pushed by activist Agape Khombe, seeks to amend the minimum and maximum age limits for presidential candidates, lowering the minimum from 35 to 30 years while capping the maximum at 80 years.

While proponents argue that the bill ensures a blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned experience in leadership, critics warn that it could trample on fundamental rights, excluding capable individuals from contesting based on age.

The debate over this bill has not only stirred up the political landscape but also exposed deep divisions within Malawian society over governance, democracy, and electoral fairness.

“The progress is very good and response is very positive. We have managed to meet, not all, but most of the traditional and religious leaders.

“In any campaign, people have diverse perspectives but be assured, we are not targeting anyone. What happens is that whenever a law is being formulated, there are casualties associated,” he said.

Khombe’s advocacy has however sparked mixed reactions across different sections of society.

Human rights groups, including the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organization –MANEPO and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation –CHRR are keenly following the matter.

MANEPO’s Executive Director, Andrew Kavala, has called for thorough consultations before pushing the bill to Parliament, warning that it might infringe on some people’s rights.

“It is good that Malawians are pushing for some amendments in the existing constitution but we need to listen to all voices first. Any alteration to the Constitution must be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences,” he said.

Similarly, CHRR’s Executive Director, Michael Kaiyatsa, emphasizes the need for a detailed review.

“While discussions around age limits for public office are not new, the timing and motive behind this bill must be scrutinized. It is everyone’s right to make such a proposal and we believe there is a need to be sober when doing that,” he said.

The bill has also taken on a political dimension, with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Peter Mukhitho accusing the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of orchestrating it to bar DPP leader Peter Mutharika from contesting in the upcoming elections.

“This bill is a direct attack on democracy. MCP knows that our party leader remains a formidable force in the political landscape, and this is just a desperate attempt to eliminate competition through legal technicalities,” Mukhitho alleged.

He further warned that if passed, the bill could set a dangerous precedent, where political parties manipulate laws to serve their interests rather than uphold democratic principles.

MCP, on the other hand, has distanced itself from the allegations, stating that the bill is being championed by civil society groups and not the government.

“The claims by the DPP are baseless and intended to shift attention from real governance issues. Malawi is a democratic country, and such matters should be debated on merit, not conspiracy theories,” said a MCP spokesperson, Jessie Kabwila.

Beyond political boardrooms and civil society debates, the bill is also being discussed in markets, minibus stations, and social gatherings.

We took to the streets to hear what ordinary Malawians think.

Florence (not her real name), a 27-year-old entrepreneur in Blantyre, supports lowering the age limit.

“The youth make up the majority of the population. Why should we wait until we are 35 to contest? If a person is qualified and has the vision, they should be given a chance,” she said.

On the other hand, 72-year-old retired teacher Patrick Banda believes the upper age cap of 80 is discriminatory.

“Age does not determine capability. Look at great leaders like Nelson Mandela—he led South Africa in his seventies. This bill is unfair to those with wisdom and experience,” he argued.

Others remain skeptical of both changes. James, a university student, dismissed the bill as a political manoeuvre.

“This is not about empowering young leaders. It’s about removing political opponents. We need genuine leadership reform, not selective amendments,” he remarked.

Malawi, as a signatory to several international human rights treaties, is bound to uphold non-discriminatory principles.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights emphasize equality in political participation without age-based discrimination.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) also provides that every citizen has the right to participate in public affairs without unjust restrictions.

If this bill is passed, Malawi could face scrutiny from international watchdogs regarding its compliance with these treaties.

The question then becomes: Will the bill serve democratic inclusivity, or will it isolate certain groups unfairly?

Historically, age restrictions in leadership have been a subject of debate in many countries.

In the United States, for example, a presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, while in France, the minimum age is 18.

Some African nations have similar age restrictions, but very few enforce upper limits.

If Malawi enforces the 80-year cap, it would be setting a precedent that could shape future debates across the continent.

Political analysts argue that while the bill presents an opportunity to refine governance structures, its timing and political implications cannot be ignored.

From a governance perspective, lowering the minimum age could encourage youthful participation in leadership, potentially fostering innovation and progressive policies.

However, critics argue that experience and political maturity should not be compromised.

Conversely, setting an upper limit could ensure a fresh turnover in leadership but may also exclude individuals with decades of experience and deep institutional knowledge.

For political scientist George Chaima, if deliberated and passed, the law would have serious implications on the country’s political landscape.

He predicts the law would lead to political unrest as some sections of society will not be contented.

As the bill inches closer to parliamentary discussion, Malawians are left to ponder: Will this proposal redefine the country’s political landscape or deepen divisions?

Could it strengthen democracy by promoting leadership renewal, or will it serve as a strategic ploy to manipulate election outcomes?

For now, the Age Bill remains a subject of intense debate, sparking conversations that could reshape Malawi’s democratic structure.

Whatever happens next, one thing is clear—this is not just about numbers; it’s about the future of leadership in Malawi.

The country watches as Agape Khombe prepares to petition the parliament on issue and any decision could leave a lasting mark on her democracy.

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