The bill to nullify the previously amended age of candidacy for presidential candidates, was submitted to the parliament on Monday.
The parliament administration is yet to schedule the bill, which was submitted by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s Deputy Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, for debate.
PPM in 2015 effectively changed the age of candidacy for presidential candidates from age 30 to 65, after 77 out of the total 85 parliamentarians voted in favour of the amendment. The amendment was supported by Maldivian Democratic Party, Jumhooree Party and the then ruling coalition of PPM and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).
MP Falah submitted to nullify the previous amendment, to allow any individuals with the capability and requirements to run for presidency.
The PPM Deputy Leader stated that the amendment was brought about at a time when the situation called for a reform.
Opposition alliance in the past criticized the amendment as having been targeted at various individuals. The amendment barred Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom from contesting in the presidential elections held on September 23.
The Constitution can only be amended through a two-third's majority vote, which constitutes 57 votes from 85 parliamentarians in the legislative body of the state.
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