People's Majlis

Amendment seeks age cap on councillors

An amendment was proposed to the decentralization Act to prevent people aged 65 years or older from contesting the Local Council Elections.

However, members of both the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has spoken against the amendment on the Parliament floor.

In response to the amendment proposed by MP Ibrahim Sujau, ruling party lawmaker Abdul Latheef Mohamed said that elders should not only be viewed as people who must stay at the mosque or home all day. He said that elders must also get the chance to serve their islands if they wish to do so.

He also said that proposing such amendments while the elections were so close would instill distrust in the hearts of people against the ruling PPM.

"These bills will cause distrust in the hearts of public towards PPM. There are many elders in islands who are working towards the progress of their respective islands. Their rights should not be taken away. I do not believe we should even accept this bill," He said.

Parliament Member Abdulla Rifau said that this bill was submitted to the Parliament without being discussed in the PPM Parliament Group. He also voiced his disapproval stating that there are currently many above 65 years of age who are actively serving their country. He said closing the door on such an opportunity is not something that should be accepted.

Member of Parliament Ali Shah said he does not accept this amendment only for the decentralization law, saying that all elections must have the same basic guidelines. He said that all prospective candidates for all elections must be subject to the same basic requirements to be eligible.

"I do not support bringing change to such laws one at a time. We should have a wider thinking, I can only support the change if it affects all elections," Shah said.

Members of MDP and Jumhooree Party (JP) accused the government of being behind this bill, and heated words were exchanged. Member of Parliament Abdulla Riyaz said that the laws should be changed in the same way as developed countries, and that no country has a law stopping those above 65 years old from competing in elections. He further said that this move was a great injustice to the elderly and that their rights could not be taken away.

"I cannot support this bill in the slightest. This bill is another plot to take the peoples rights away," Riyaz said.

Parliament Member Rozaina Adam said that the Parliament has been transformed into an institution to take the peoples rights away and that this is not something that can be tolerated. She said that she could not support any people being excluded from the elections.