The phrase "are qualified to replace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's credentials or suitability for taking over a position or role.
Example: "The candidates we interviewed are qualified to replace the outgoing manager."
Alternatives: "are suitable to take over" or "are fit to substitute".
For Mr. McCain to go on claiming that Mr. Obama has too little experience to be president after almost four years in the United States Senate is laughable now that he has announced that someone with no national or foreign policy experience is qualified to replace him, if necessary.
It's not as though challenger Stepan W. Baghdassarian is qualified to replace him.
Andy doesn't think Caroline Kennedy is qualified to replace Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense, but doesn't blame her for asking.
I've been sadly amused today watching the cable news bloviators discuss whether Caroline Kennedy is "qualified" to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in the U.S. Senate and, frankly, the whole debate shows how disconnected and self-absorbed the pretentious inside-the-Beltway crowd is about who they wish to admit into their society.
Librarians are qualified to degree level, yet we think it's acceptable to replace them with well-meaning volunteers.
As a result, "The board of directors does not have sufficient insight into the skills and capabilities of the senior management team and is not prepared to determine which executives are most qualified to replace an outgoing CEO or C-suite member when a succession event occurs," says Saslow.
Garland, by every reasonable measure, is exceptionally qualified to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the high court.
On the other hand, there are at least a hundred musicians qualified to replace each member of any symphony orchestra.
Rogers is also angry with Baca, who during his resignation announcement said Rogers was one of two men in the department qualified to replace him.
