MP Lunguzi to move House on Malawi presidential age limit

Outspoken Dedza east MP Juliana Lunguzi says she will move a motion in the 193-strong House when it meets in May so that legislators should debate changing the Republican constitution to add age limit for presidents.

Lunguzi: Malawi does not the aged in power

“This issue is trending now. This is the issue Malawians want us, as their representatives in parliament, to discuss. As the representatives of the people, we need to listen to them and do what they want,” said Lunguzi.

The presidential age limit issue has been ignited by former First Lady Callista Mutharika who described his brother in-law president Peter Mutharika as aged and alleged people surround him   dubbed ‘beast of prey’ – makedecisions of the State for him.

Callista suggested the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) should instead field vice president Saulos Chilima, 45  in the 2019 polls as its presidential candidate instead of the 79-year-old president.

Lunguzi said there is need for members of parliament to discuss and debate the issue thoroughly owing to the interest the issue has generated from all sections of Malawians.

“I am looking at two things, the Constitution says when one can be president. Listening to the finance minister [Goodall Gondwe] and the retirement age of civil servants, there is need for a healthy debate on the matter,” said the youthful parliamentarian.

Lunguzi said she will move the House so that the Constitution should be changed to limit the age of those entering into the office of the president.

She said it was up to the House to reject her proposal or take it, saying if the parliamentarians reject it, the issue can be pursued elsewhere.

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Yahya Yahya Jammeh
5 years ago

Lunguzi, you proposed motion has already been defeated. You don’t tell your enemy how you are going to fight and expect to win the fight. The best you should have done to keep quiet and surprise the house with your motion. Let me tell you if you raise the age limit issue for President, you should also the age limit for MPs. MCP had the very aged MPs in the National Assembly, the likes of Belekanyama. Do you see yourself having the support of your fellow MPs on his issue? I very much doubt it – the matter will scare… Read more »

MAGUFULI
MAGUFULI
5 years ago

PROBLEM WE PUT IN HIGH
POSITIONS PEOPLE WHO ARE
SUP POSED TO BE IN NURSING
HOMES

LEAVING THE YOUTHS WITHOUT JOBS

Malawi moto
Malawi moto
5 years ago

Ms Lunguzi, long timing because your proposal is targeting Mutharika. It means anytime we have an emotional burst up we will have to change the constitution. its utterly silly.

#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
5 years ago
Reply to  Malawi moto

The amendment will only apply for the 2024 General Elections so its not targeting Prof Peter Mutharika. Unless DPP changes the constitution to allow for unlimited terms for presidents.

#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
5 years ago

To amend constitution the motion has to be supported by 2/3 majority ie at least 130 MP’s have to support the motion. For the resolution to pass Honourable Juliana Lunguzi, you’ll need not only the support of your party’s MPs but also DPP, UDF and Independents (if they haven’t gullibly deflected to DPP yet). That’s a lot lobbying in light of the fact DPP will be voting against the motion/amendment. Secondly, you may want to suggest a secret ballot, given that many of the MP’s are so scared of their masters or party leadership. They’ll never vote with their conscious.… Read more »

OMG!!!
OMG!!!
5 years ago

LUNGUZI YOU ARE A STUPID WOMAN, WHY DONT YOU MOVE THE HOUSE TO DEBATE FAKE FAKE ACCENTS LIKE CHAKWERAS>>>> HOPELESS MP!! INSTEAD OF DOING GOOD IN YOUR AREAS YOU BUSY WITH RUBBISH. I DARE YOU TO DEBATE CHAKWERAS FAKE ACCENT. SHAMELESS THINGS

China
China
5 years ago
Reply to  OMG!!!

Exactly why an old man like chakwera speak in such a fake accent. Ati muziti aku America zamanyazi

Chatsalira
Chatsalira
5 years ago

The problem with Malawi constitution was drafted or amended with certain people in mind.
this is the wrong approach.
A constitution should be written or amended for the good of the country and its citizens and not for the individual.

Bolero
Bolero
5 years ago

Ethiopia, a country of over 90 million people, complex political setup, fast growing economy is being ruled by a 42 year old as their Prime Minister. How about France with all its nuclear arsenals being led by a 46 year old President. What will stop Malawi from following suit, a simple economy as it is.

#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
5 years ago
Reply to  Bolero

Because Malawians are so sleepy with the most uneducated population living in the rural areas, politically unaware. They will keep voting for old people. We have very old people as members of political parties. Its high time that the young educated generation get active in politics like Honourable Juliana Lunguzi etc. Buy membership tickets and be active at their conventions so that no old leaders are ever nominated and selected to the leadership positions. That way Malawi will have a young, vibrant, intelligent, smart, ethical, moral and visionary leaders.

Kwataine Kachindamoto Wa Kwa Dzida
Kwataine Kachindamoto Wa Kwa Dzida
5 years ago

Age limit zopanda ntchito. Za ndale basi. Targeting Mutharika, that is cheap politics.

Zofunikira ndi all politicians and presidents must declare their assets when leaving their offices too.

pathfinder
pathfinder
5 years ago

I don’t like this woman. Period!

#DzukaniAmalawi
#DzukaniAmalawi
5 years ago
Reply to  pathfinder

Then it means that you also have a problem. You don’t love yourself enough to love others. Start from there……period!

Mwendapadera Speaks Out
Mwendapadera Speaks Out
5 years ago

That’s a game changer mam you have send a good signal to the DDP aged politicians.

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