Elections in the Muslim Community of Belgium

Abstract

After 25 years of equivocation, the matter concerning the representation of secular affairs of the Muslim community is finally on the verge of finding a resolution acceptable to both the Muslim communities and public authorities. In Belgium, the State recognizes and financially supports various faiths: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish, and Muslim. Even secularism is supported. Unlike the other recognized faiths, Islam does not fully benefit from the advantages that are conferred theoretically to its followers. Until now, the absence of a representative body, unanimously recognized by all Muslim groups, has been used in discourse to justify this discriminatory situation.