The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes. There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation .Photo©Jens Franssen
Political parties in the country have been asked to ensure that at least 30 per cent of all elected positions at the districts, regional and national levels are occupied by women.
More than 400 people have signed up to run as candidates in the Kuwaiti parliamentary elections on July 27.
The German election is still more than two months away but for many the vote's final chapter has already been written.
North American experiments are showing that women have an electoral advantage. In one study in which only the names of a candidate were changed, participants rated the candidate they thought was female as stronger, more honest, and more compassionate than the male candidate.
Peru's powerful first lady Nadine Heredia on Friday made her strongest denial yet that she will run for president in 2016, responding to criticism that she might try to have an anti-nepotism law thrown out so she could launch a bid.
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MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube has defended the inclusion of the party’s secretary-general Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga on the list of women’s quota under proportional representation in Matabeleland South province.