What are the qualifications that candidates for the mayoralty must possess, and is it permissible to favor some over others based on their competence and ability to serve the country?

The basis for choosing a candidate in Islam is trustworthiness and strength, in accordance with His, the Almighty's, saying: (Indeed, the best of those you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy). It is not permissible for a Muslim to choose a less competent candidate when a competent and righteous one is available, because that is considered treachery and false testimony. For this reason, it is obligatory to elect the most competent and ready to serve the country according to Allah's methodology.