Interior Minister Sets Conditions for Youth Support: 5% of Votes and Maximum Age of 35
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit approved a significant amendment proposed by majority groups, the Socialist team, and the Justice and Development parliamentary group. This amendment ties public support allocated to youth under 35 years of age to a specified percentage of expressed votes, similar to the regulations for political party lists.
The majority groups and the Socialist team suggested a 5% threshold of expressed votes, while the Justice and Development group proposed 3%. Ultimately, the minister settled on establishing the 5% requirement. During discussions on electoral system bills in the Interior and Territorial Communities Committee in the House of Representatives, Laftit pointed out that this condition is “acceptable at the level of 5% of the votes,” noting that an implementing decree will be issued to detail the specifics.
Additionally, the minister concurred with another amendment from the Socialist team, which mandates that the candidate or nominee without party affiliation must provide a comprehensive electoral program as part of the candidacy documents. The authority responsible for receiving nominations will need to evaluate the seriousness of the proposal. Furthermore, candidates must submit a bank certificate proving the opening of a dedicated campaign account with sufficient funds to cover campaign expenses.
Laftit emphasized the importance of the presented electoral programs from young beneficiaries of support being “credible,” stressing the necessity to differentiate between serious and non-serious candidates.
On another note, the minister rejected a proposal from the Justice and Development group aimed at raising the age limit for beneficiaries of youth support to 40 years. He reaffirmed that the defined youth age limit is 35 years, clarifying that those exceeding this age can apply through their party without any legal obstacles.
