IEA rejects five-year presidential and parliamentary terms in proposed constitutional reforms
The Institute of Economic Affairs IEA has opposed a proposal to extend the terms of the President and Members of Parliament from four to five years, stating that the current four-year mandate is sufficient for governments to implement their programs. This position was outlined in a press statement dated September 2, 2026, which detailed the IEA's views on constitutional review proposals from the Prempeh Committee and the government. The IEA believes that extending terms requires stronger justification than has been provided. However, the institute supports other reforms aimed at reducing presidential powers, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring appointments to public offices are based on merit. The IEA also advocates for an independent Judicial Council responsible for judicial appointments, a constitutional cap on Supreme Court Justices, and the election of all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives MMDCEs through a non-partisan process. Additionally, the IEA supports preventing Members of Parliament from simultaneously serving as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, or Regional Ministers to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny. The institute also backs constitutional restrictions preventing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and MPs from serving on State-Owned Enterprise boards, and calls for stronger constitutional measures on unexplained wealth and asset declarations to combat corruption. The IEA expressed reservations about the government's proposed timeline
