By Arret Jatta
The 2024 re-gazetted draft constitution has removed the provision, of the 2020 draft constitution by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which requires a mental health certificate and an undergraduate degree, plus five years of work experience for aspiring presidential candidates.
An explanatory note released by the Attorney General’s office clarifies why these two requirements have been deleted in the recent 2024 re-gazetted draft constitution.
“Most democracies no longer use formal education such as holding a university degree as preconditions for running for office. The principle underpinning this is the democratic ideal that any eligible voter should also have the right to stand for election regardless of their formal education,” it was explained in the explanatory note.
It also stated that in the explanatory note, the approach highlights the common commitment among democracies to inclusivity, ensuring that the lack of formal education does not become a barrier to political participation.
“Similarly, mental health provisions are typically safeguards, ensuring those legally and functionally incapacitated are not disqualified, but not imposing extensive blanket assessments that could infringe on personal liberties,” the explanatory document stated further.
