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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

July 7, 2013
Eight women among 418 hopefuls in Kuwait election race

More than 400 people have signed up to run as candidates in the Kuwaiti parliamentary elections on July 27.

July 7, 2013
Merkel's road to a third term could be rocky, Germany

The German election is still more than two months away but for many the vote's final chapter has already been written.

July 5, 2013
Why women win elections, Canada

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.

July 5, 2013
Peru's first lady firmly denies 2016 presidential bid

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.

July 4, 2013
ZANU-PF has more women candidates, Zimbabwe

WITH the presidential elections just around the corner, provisionally set for 31 July, tensions are high with a recent swell of infighting as political parties draw up primary election guidelines and hold their internal polls. However, the conflict has been ongoing

July 4, 2013
UNDP Lebanon: EU-funded workshop for stronger participation by women in political life

On 3 July, the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Programme (LEAP) organized the EU-funded workshop 

July 2, 2013
Ncube defends women’s quota selection, Zimbabwe

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.

June 28, 2013
Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace issues alternate electoral law and demands inclusivness in Constitutional Assembly

June 28, 2013
Women Quarter Nomination Court sits Countrywide, Zimbabwe

The nomination court for the members of the House of Assembly, senatorial, women quarter and provincial councils has begun in different provinces of the country.