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New Delhi: He has scripted political history in the US by becoming the youngest mayor since 1892. Thirty-four-year-old Zohran Mamdani is the first Muslim and first African-born leader of New York City. His victory in New York City’s mayoral race is a watershed moment.
His campaigning focused on bold economic and social goals. He projected himself as the champion of the working-class causes. Mamdani's messages struck a chord with younger voters and communities who feel neglected by mainstream US politics. His triumph was a representation of progressive politics.
After his victory, enthusiasm among supporters mounted, with many stating that Mamdani could one day run for the presidency of the United States.
However, as per the United States Constitution, Mamdani is not eligible to run for the office of President, unless there are amendments made to the Constitution itself.
There has been growing speculation about Mamdani's national political future. But he is barred from running for the presidency of the United States. This is because of the US Constitution.
There's clear eligibility criteria for presidential candidates laid down by the US Constitution. Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 states: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.”
It was in 1991 that Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani — a Ugandan scholar of Indian heritage — and filmmaker Mira Nair, known for Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake. In 2018, he became a naturalised US citizen, which means he does not meet the Constitution’s criteria of being a “natural-born” citizen.
According to legal interpretation, a “natural-born citizen” refers to someone who acquires US citizenship at birth and has never gone through the process of naturalisation. This constitutional rule also applies to other prominent figures born outside the US who later acquired American citizenship, including several well-known business leaders and politicians like Elon Musk and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Therefore, unless the Constitution is changed — which is unlikely — Mamdani cannot run for the US presidency.
Mamdani's rise has been meteoric. He was an unknown face when he entered the mayoral race last year. However, he was confident and charismatic. His grassroots campaign resonated with the citizens, and he won against political giants like former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
After romping home to victory, Mamdani made a historic speech, which reflected his commitment and resilience. “New York will remain the city of immigrants — built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant.” He added: “I am young, I am Muslim, I am a democratic socialist, and most damning of all, I refuse to apologise for any of this. I will wake each morning with a singular purpose — to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
