By Archie Boan
Sinoe County Electoral District #3 Representative Alex S. Noah has introduced a groundbreaking proposal before the House of Representatives, the “Youth Representation and Candidacy Reform Bill of 2025.”
The bill seeks to amend provisions of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution to reduce the minimum age required to contest for elected public office, thereby broadening opportunities for young Liberians to participate in national leadership.
Under the existing Constitution, Article 30(a) stipulates that candidates for the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, while Senators must be 30.
Article 52(a) also requires a minimum age of 35 for the offices of President and Vice President. Representative Noah’s proposal seeks to lower the age limit to 21 years for the House of Representatives and 25 years for the Senate, while keeping the presidential age threshold at 35.
If passed, the amendment would proceed to a national referendum as required by Article 91, which outlines the constitutional process for amendments.
Representative Noah, in his communication to Plenary, argued that the current age restrictions hinder political inclusion for Liberia’s youth, who make up more than 60 percent of the nation’s population.
He maintained that if young citizens are old enough to vote, pay taxes, and serve in the armed forces or police at age 18, they should also be eligible to run for office before turning 25 or 30.
“This bill seeks to align Liberia with progressive African nations such as Botswana, Ghana, Eswatini, Uganda, and Ethiopia, which have reduced the age of candidacy and witnessed increased youth participation in governance,” Noah emphasized.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Article 30(a):
Lower the qualifying age for the House of Representatives from 25 to 21 years.
Lower the qualifying age for the Senate from 30 to 25 years
Article 52(a):
Retain the qualifying age of 35 years for President and Vice President
Key Arguments in Support of the Bill
Demographic Reality: With nearly two-thirds of Liberians fewer than 25, delaying their entry into leadership weakens representative democracy.
Civic Inclusion: If citizens can vote and serve their country at 18, they should not be barred from contesting for public office.
Continental Alignment: Brings Liberia in line with other African nations that recognize the potential of youth leadership.
Innovation and Energy: Younger leaders can infuse government with creativity, digital expertise, and new ideas.
Boosting Political Engagement: More youth candidates could help reduce voter apathy and strengthen national participation in elections.
Following debate, the House Plenary referred the bill to its Committees on Youth and Sports and Judiciary for review and recommendations within two weeks. Should the Legislature approve the measure, it will advance to a national referendum, giving Liberians the power to decide whether to adopt the new age requirements.
Representative Noah described the initiative as “a generational call for inclusion”, stressing that the reform would “deepen Liberia’s democracy, promote intergenerational equity, and ensure that young people’s voices are meaningfully represented in national decision-making.”
