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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

November 20, 2013
Women voters outnumber men in Bhaktapur, Nepal

Women voters outnumbered male voters in Bhaktapur district in the CA election that concluded on Tuesday with the highest voter turnout in the country's electoral history.

November 19, 2013
A ‘Head Start’ for Women Mayors and Councilors in Nicaragua

A revision to Nicaragua’s law on municipal elections last year required political parties to put up equal numbers of women and men as candidates for mayor and city council. It also increased the number of city council seats in each municipality.

November 18, 2013
AU Observer team’s parting shot on elections, Swaziland
SWAZILAND needs to reserve a quota for women and physically challenged persons in the electoral process. This would guarantee full representation of women and marginalised groups in elective positions.The Africa
November 18, 2013
Stark inequality: Only 80 of 1,110 candidates are women, India

The 1,110 affidavits filed by candidates during the nomination process till Saturday throw up some interesting figures and information about those who want to represent Delhiites in the Assembly. 

November 18, 2013
Michelle Bachelet wins first round in Chile's presidential election

Socialist Michelle Bachelet handily won a first round of Chile's presidential race Sunday, with voters putting her on track to replace the country's conservative leader following a runoff in December.

November 17, 2013
Sonia Gandhi holds rally in Mizoram, lures youth and women voters

Congress president Sonia Gandhi sought to lure voters at a rally in Mizoram's Lunglei town on Monday with the prospect of joint sharing on a 50-50 basis the profits from oil and natural gas proceeds from the state.