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Elections

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

Implementing and overseeing electronic voting and counting technologies

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December 16, 2013

Implementing and overseeing electronic voting and counting technologies

As a growing number of countries at various stages of development consider the use of electronic technologies in electoral processes, they face opportunities and challenges.

As a growing number of countries at various stages of development consider the use of electronic technologies in electoral processes, they face opportunities and challenges.

December 14, 2013
In Chile, women politicians rise, but women's rights lag

“In Chile, the skirt’s in charge,” blared the headline of Santiago tabloid La Cuarta the day after Michelle Bachelet and Evelyn Matthei advanced to a second round in the country’s presidential race.

December 12, 2013
Women prepare for historic elections in Afghanistan

In the last presidential elections, women voters and MPs faced persecution, death threats and violence. With 2014’s elections drawing near, NATO Channel speaks to female MPs who discuss the real issues facing female voters.

December 5, 2013
They Said Men Would Be Suckling My Breasts for Five Years - Kenyan MP Speaks About 2013 Elections

Kenyan member of parliament Alice Wahome spoke about the violent abuse, harassment and humiliation she has experienced as a female politician at the launch of a report about women's participation in the March 2013 elections.

December 5, 2013
Women were beaten in the queues - Kenyan politician speaks about 2013 elections

In March 2013, Sophia Abdi Noor was the only woman to stand for parliament in northern Kenya, a marginalised region where Islam has a lot of sway.

December 4, 2013
New laws ignored, so women trailed in Kenya 2013 election

New laws designed to increase the number of elected women in Kenyan politics had no effect on the 2013 elections because those concerned failed to implement them, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said.

December 2, 2013
E. Equatoria women warn of electoral consequences for absent MPs

A group of women MPs from South Sudan’s parliament were warned by a delegation of women from Eastern Equatoria that legislators that did not make the effort to visit their constituencies would face the consequences at the next election.At the public meeting in Torit the national lawmakers wer

December 2, 2013
More women must vote in Afghan poll - rights activist

Afghan authorities should ensure a large number of women take part in next year’s make-or-break elections to prevent female voters being murdered and to safeguard transparency, Afghan human rights activist Sima Samar said on Tuesday.

December 2, 2013
Delhi: Parties claim big, but still keep women out

Campaigning for the December 4 Assembly elections in Delhi ended on Monday with around 25 rallies and road shows being organised in the capital.