Morocco debates 'illiterate' electoral candidates
Analysis: Moroccans are debating if electoral candidates need to have a minimum level of education before they can run, reports Hassan al-Ashraf.
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Morocco's communal and municipal elections are scheduled for 4 September 2015 [AFP]
Moroccans are fiercely debating the level of education candidates should have before being allowed to run for upcoming municipal elections.
Several political parties, especially the ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party, are demanding candidates need nothing more than a high school diploma - in a bid to stop elites monopolising the system.
Others say asking for a minimum level of education is unconstitutional.
Several political parties, especially the ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party, are demanding candidates need nothing more than a high school diploma - in a bid to stop elites monopolising the system.
Others say asking for a minimum level of education is unconstitutional.
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Some argue asking for a minimum level of education is unconstitutional. |
Some parties argue the suitability of candidates is the responsibility of political parties. They say the Moroccan constitution guarantees equality for all, without discrimination based on academic qualifications.
Members of the JDP argued it was important for candidates to have a least a high school qualification because they were "representing Morocco nationally and internationally".
Moroccan human rights advocates supported the idea, and argued that, in addition, candidates should not have a record of plundering public money or of extreme wealth.
Morocco's communal and municipal elections are scheduled to begin on September 4, while elections for members of the advisors' council, parliament's second chamber, are scheduled for October 2.
This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.
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