Is Age Discrimination Against Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates Unethical?

It is unethical to discriminate against presidential and vice presidential candidates on the basis of their age because it violates the principles of equal opportunity and equitable representation. Age should not influence a candidate's capacity to lead and make decisions for the country. On top of that, age discrimination can restrict the diversity and range of perspectives required for effective governance.

It is essential to evaluate candidates on the basis of their experience, qualifications, and track record rather than their age.

Age prejudice can have a deleterious impact on the representation of various generations in government. If older candidates are prohibited from running for office, newer generations may miss out on their experience and insight.

Alternatively, if younger candidates are excluded, older generations may miss out on fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Misconceptions about the aging brain

Some people believe that age automatically correlates with a decline in cognitive abilities or physical health, whereas this may not be the case for all individuals.

According to Dr. Bruce Yankner, professor of genetics and co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging at Harvard Medical School, the brain begins to use more of itself as individuals age.

As individuals age, the brain compensates by utilizing more of itself, with both sides of the brain performing equal amounts of work in seniors.

Studies indicate that older individuals have superior judgment, decision-making abilities, and the capacity to filter out negativity compared to their youthful counterparts. Changes in organs and hormones as well as the brain contribute to the mastery that accompanies maturity.

Importantly, decades of education and life experience enable individuals to evaluate new situations more accurately.

How about elderly candidates for the presidency?

"But age in and of itself should never be a disqualifier. History is full of old, great leaders."

Many other countries, including democracies and dictatorships, have national leaders of distinguished age, such as Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu (71), Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad (who stepped down in March ahead of his 95th birthday, to be succeeded by Muhyiddin Yassin (73) and Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi (75).

Winston Churchill began his final term as British prime minister at the age of 76; since 1975, Japan has had at least seven prime ministers in their 70s, including the current leader, Yoshihide Suga (71).

As people are living longer and remaining healthier than ever before, having a president in their 70s is no longer a cause for concern. The risk of developing dementia for a 75-year-old man has decreased from 25% in 1995 to 18% today, according to a study conducted by Harvard University.

In addition, advances in medical technology are being used to treat other aging-related impairments, such as loss of mobility, sight, and hearing. As a consequence, 70-year-olds play a more active role than ever before in key leadership positions.

According to the 2020 Crist Kolder Volatility Report, approximately forty percent of working CEOs are over the age of sixty, and many national leaders around the world are of a venerable age.

The elder leaders have a distinct skill set from their younger counterparts, with experience being their greatest asset. They have likely encountered numerous crises in the past and know how to respond effectively; they are less innovative but less polarizing.

In Indonesia's present political climate, having a president in his or her 70s may actually be advantageous. In the upcoming elections, however, the new generations of millennials and post-millennials will make up a much larger portion of the voting population and are likely to favor a candidate who represents youth, change, and diversity.

Why is it beneficial to have a young vice president?

In Indonesia, the Constitutional Court is examining the age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates, with some calling for a minimum age of 35.

Several political figures debated on Kompas TV (11 August 2023) whether future presidential and vice presidential candidates should be younger and more open-minded. All fields of labor are increasingly dominated by young people, prompting this debate.

While some argue that those between the ages of 35 and 40 are at the zenith of their performance, others assert that young people play an increasingly vital role in society. The Constitutional Court is currently hearing the case, and a decision is imminent.

A young vice president can provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a bridge to newer generations. Additionally, they can assist in bridging the gap between elder and younger voters and diversifying the leadership team. They appeal more to younger voters. A youthful vice president can help younger voters who may feel alienated by traditional politics.

A youthful vice president is also more likely to be tech-savvy and can use this knowledge to improve the campaign's digital presence. They can aid in the development of a user-friendly website, the creation of innovative fundraising strategies, and the application of data analytics to target specific demographics.

They will also have different points of view. Young vice presidents are more likely to have a broader perspective and contribute novel ideas and approaches to the policymaking process. They can help ensure that the needs and concerns of the younger population are taken into account.

Instances of Young Country Leaders

John C. Breckinridge, who was elected as the 14th Vice President of the United States at the age of 36 in 1857, was the youngest vice president in history.

However, there are contemporary nation leaders who began their service before the age of 40. Nayib Bukule was 38 years old when he swore in as president of El Salvador. The 36-year-old current president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, is another young and vibrant leader.

As the youngest of them all?

Sanna Marin is a Finnish politician who serves as Finland's present prime minister. She assumed office on December 10, 2019, at the age of 34, becoming the world's youngest serving prime minister.

The current movement in Indonesia to change the law so that someone younger than 40 can run for vice president or possibly president is justified and should be supported. To ensure that all voices are heard and that policies and decisions are made with the best interests of all generations in mind, it is of the utmost importance to have a diverse pool of candidates representing various age groups.

Age should never be a barrier to representation in government, and the time has come to recognize the value that individuals of all ages contribute to the table. By considering age alongside other qualifications and experience, we can create a government that is more equitable, representative, and genuinely responsive to the needs of all citizens.

It's immoral to put a cap on a person's servitude time because of their age.

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Archipelago Insight, 2023