News|ElectionsDjibouti lifts presidential age limit, paving way for sixth Guelleh termIsmail Omar Guelleh could seek re-election in 2026 after parliament votes to remove age restriction for presidential candidates.

The Parliament of Djibouti has amended the constitutional age limit for presidential candidates, allowing Ismail Omar Guelleh, currently 77 years old, to seek re-election for a sixth term. The amendment was passed by all 65 lawmakers present on Sunday, removing the previous age restriction of 75 years.

The decision to eliminate the age limit requires either presidential approval followed by a second parliamentary vote on Thu, Nov 2, 2023, or a national referendum.

Ismail Omar Guelleh has been in power since 1999, succeeding Hassan Gouled Aptidon. In 2010, Guelleh introduced reforms that abolished presidential term limits while reducing the term length from six to five years.

National Assembly Speaker Dileita Mohamed Dileita stated that the constitutional change is crucial for maintaining stability in the region, claiming public support of over 80 percent. However, this claim remains unverified. Rights advocates have criticized the amendment, suggesting it paves the way for indefinite presidential rule. Daher Ahmed Farah, a leader in the Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development, has called for international scrutiny on the prioritization of Djibouti's strategic interests over individual leadership.

Despite a population of one million, Djibouti holds significant geopolitical importance. It hosts the only permanent US military base in Africa, along with bases from France, China, Japan, and Italy. Its strategic location at the Bab al-Mandab Strait is crucial for global shipping routes.

This strategic significance contributes to Djibouti's stability, especially as neighboring countries face challenges such as Sudan's civil war and Somalia's ongoing fragmentation.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.