By Vincent Gunde
Political Analyst Burnett Munthali says today, Malawians are celebrating the victory of the defeat of the presidential age limit bill because they care deeply about the rule of law for the integrity of their democracy and for constitutionalism itself.
Munthali said it has been made abundantly clear that there will be no presidential age limit bill or petition presented in Parliament in the 51st session beginning Friday the 14th February, 2025 the day President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera will deliver his State of the Nations Address (SONA).
He said this is a moment of achievement-a collective triumph of reason, foresight and unwavering dedication to the preservation of the country’s Constitution saying the constitution is not a tool to be manipulated for the selfish ambitions of a few.
In his speech of Thursday ahead of President Chakwera’s SONA, Munthali said the constitution is a sacred document, a covenant between the people and the state saying Section 80 of it clearly outlines the eligibility for candidates for the office of the President, including an age limit that ensures leadership remains vibrant, focused with the needs of a younger, and more dynamic generation.
Munthali said the defeat of age limit bill is a victory for future generations, who will inherit a country where the constitution is respected and upheld not bent and twisted to suit the desires of a powerful few.
“This is a victory for every Malawian and a testament to the enduring power of the people in safeguarding their future,” he said.
The Analyst said the decision to uphold the age limit bill is not a matter of political rivalry, it is about respecting the will of the people and ensuring that the country’s constitution serves its purpose without becoming a tool for elf-serving agendas.
He says the victory against the presidential age limit bill should not be seen as a simple defeat for a proposal-it is rather, a victory for the people of Malawi congratulating Malawi on this significant achievement.
Munthali says Malawians have shown that they are a nation of principle, committed to the preservation of their democratic values, and they have proven that constitutionalism will always be upheld regardless of political challenges they face.
