The CEC highlighted that Decree-Law No. (23) of 2025, concerning Local Authority Council Elections and its amendments dictates a minimum level of women’s representation in electoral lists submitted for municipal council elections. This requirement constitutes a fundamental condition for the submission and acceptance of any electoral list, as stipulated in Article (15/3/B) and Article (16/3) of the law.
In accordance with Article (24) of the Decree-Law, should a woman candidate withdraw from an electoral list in a manner that reduces women’s representation below the legally mandated quota, the CEC will require the concerned list to take corrective action. This includes either nominating another woman candidate to maintain compliance with the minimum representation requirement or reversing the withdrawal request if it results in a violation of the quota.
The CEC emphasized that adherence to these provisions is mandatory. Should an electoral list fail to comply, the CEC will be obliged to adhere to Article (18/1) of the law, which provides for the rejection of any electoral list that does not fulfill the legal requirements.