.... In a real democracy, running for the presidency should be open to any adult citizen. Using the constitution to impose other requirements is wrong in principle. It limits voters’ choice (sometimes with specific “undesirable” candidates in mind) and implies that the electorate is not to be trusted – that if given half a chance voters would choose someone who is unsuitable for the job.
It is also wrong in principle to stipulate that presidential candidates must belong to any particular religion.
[A COMMENT] The idea of a “moderate” and an “extremist” Islamists is entirely a western invention. In fact, the only difference is between gradualist and revolutionary islamists – they all want to get to the same place, they just differ about tactics. And who is going to be in charge, of course. [Harry’s Place] Read more
