Article 51

All citizens of either sex are eligible for public and elected offices on equal conditions, in accordance with the requirements established by law. To this end, the Republic shall promote equal opportunities between women and men by means of specific measures. The law may grant Italians who do not belong to the Republic the same status as citizens with regard to eligibility for public and elected offices. Any person elected to public office is entitled to the time needed for the performance thereof and to retain previously held employment.