Youth debate: Should there be an age limit for any Prime Minister?

Since years, debates have been ongoing converning the Prime Minister’s mandate. However, no consensus has been reached. Recently, Sir Aneerood Jugnauth, 85, stated that he will not be able to complete his mandate. The question arises whether there should be an age limit for the post of Prime Minister.

Recently, the former Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated that any head of government should be limited to holding only two mandates. Many other political leaders have since taken position on this issue, some even calling for a national debate. Reforming the electoral system has been on the government's agenda but till now, no reforms have been brought. During the electoral campaign in 2014, Sir Aneerood Jugnauth promised to stay until the end of his mandate should he win the elections.

But less than two years later, he said during a press conference on Monday 12 September, that he cannot stay until the end. He is handing over the top job to his son, the Finance Minister Pravind Jugnauth. As per provisions of the Constitution and established practices in Westminster, upon which the Mauritian system is based, if the incumbent vacates office, then the President of the Republic can appoint as Prime Minister any Member of Parliament who in his/her opinion commands a majority in the House. While legal, this move however is being challenged by political opponents of the government, who see in it a covert way for Sir Anerood Jugnauth to bequeath the top job to his son.

Krishna Molaye: “No age limit” 

Krishna Molaye states that in 43 African countries, Mauritius is among the seven countries, where the Head of Government or Head of State can stay in office for five years. “We all know political leaders in Mauritius want to remain in power for as long as they possibly can. Mauritians are capable of great things and a national consultation through a referendum on reforming the Constitution will give the country’s democratic process a renewed dynamism. A Prime Minister could hold office for only two mandates while a Minister could be limited to only three mandates. Mauritius would thus make a leap in terms of its social and economic development. However, I do not believe there should be any age limit to hold office. In short, we need a Head of Government who can control the Parliament, that is, he or she must be politically in command of a parliamentary majority or must at least enjoy the general trust and support of this majority in order to be able to govern effectively.”

Keshav Jokhun: “It is essential to limit the mandate”

Keshav Jokhun reveals that to become a fully democratic country, it is essential to limit the mandate of a Prime Minister to a maximum of ten years. “This initiative will give open opportunities for other politicians and at the same time ensure that no form of political dictatorship emerges. Talking about the age limit of a Prime Minister is a very sensible issue because for such an important post, we cannot choose someone too young without experience, and neither someone too old with health issues. We all know the ongoing debates regarding the announced resignation of SAJ. However, it might be relatively difficult to come to a consensus for an age limit (range) for the post of PM. This is because different persons have different levels of maturity. One person aged 40 might be too immature and inexperienced to hold office while someone else aged 30 might be cut for the job. The same logic applies for older politicians. Some politicians at the age of 70 might still be very dynamic and delivering results while someone who is 60 might be slow. It really depends on the personality and personal capacities of each individual. It is the public who should use their good judgement before casting their vote.”

Humaira Kayamdy: “Give the new generation a chance” 

Humaira Kayamdy avers that the mandate of a Prime Minister should definitely be limited so as to give a chance to others to work for the welfare of the country. “It helps a country to be headed by someone who responds to the needs of the people. When new blood takes over the country, they take into consideration the needs of the people whereas a more dated Prime Minister who has cumulated mandates might not be able to fully comprehend the aspirations of the young generation. The age limit without doubt needs to be lowered so as to allow younger politicians to come forward with innovative ideas for the country’s good. Besides, it is also a way to promote democracy and good running of government affairs.”

Amirah Mamode Hossen: “Not less than 45 and no more than 80”

Amirah Mamode Hossen believes that Mauritius is going through a very unique period of its history. “Limiting the mandate of a Prime Minister is indeed a very good idea. This will break the glass ceiling and allow only that person who commands a majority in the parliament to be appointed Prime Minister. Age should also be an important factor, in the race to grab hold of the country’s leadership. No person shall be eligible for election to the office of Prime Minister unless she/he is a citizen of Mauritius who is not less than 45 years of age and has resided in Mauritius for a period of not less than 5 years immediately prior to the election. And also, the person should cease to hold office once she/he has reached 80. Age is an important factor as this role demands a lot of focus and attention and hard work at odd hours, coupled with foreign travels and public functions lined up in the Prime Minister’s constituency, island-wide and Rodrigues. The latter should be a person who preferably got a formal, post-secondary school qualification. Prior to their election, they should be subjected to a debate which should be live on national television and radio. This is a good way to discern the best out of the contestants in the race for the Prime Ministerial post.” 

Faizal Auckburally: “Limited mandates but not age”

Faizal Auckburally argues that for the proper functioning and stability of a government, factors which are generally taken into consideration are competency of electoral nominations and their proximity with the public, including past achievements. “For most countries, constitutions are drafted in view of ensuring a fair and equal share of responsibilities assigned to different ministers. However, the roles of an aspiring Prime Minister during an electoral campaign inevitably outweigh those of an aspiring Minister. This raises an alarming query; ought the mandate of a Prime Minister be restricted? Many a times, history has been witnessed unprecedented tyranny and dictatorship caused by unlimited chances of going for elections.”

He further adds “the number of mandates should be limited but not the age. If it is beneficial for a country to have a Head of Government with much more experience despite his age, then I believe this should not be an issue. However, in the local context, currently the Prime Minister stated that he cannot complete his 5-year mandate and will have to handover power to another Member of Parliament.”