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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

December 5, 2012
South Korea: The Rising East: Will Park Geun-Hye Become Korea's First Woman President?

In the elections sprinkled across Asia from Japan to Indonesia to Sri Lanka this year, perhaps the most intriguing candidate is Park Geun-Hye, who seeks to be the first woman elected president of South Korea.

November 29, 2012
Pakistan: Call for ensuring women’s right to vote in elections

In order to discuss the role and responsibilities of the government, political parties, media, lawyers and civil society in ensuring women’s right to vote in coming general elections, Aurat Foundation organised a focussed group discussion Wednesday.

November 25, 2012
Kenya: Women in Plea to 'Use My Ballot Not My Body'

The three women sit around a table tackling their breakfast at a five-star city hotel. One in a black T-Shirt, a red skirt, white rubber shoes and with her hair held up in a bun by a red cloth.

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November 20, 2012
Ghana: Use your talents to ensure peace prevails, women urged

Ms Darling Norgbey, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has appealed to women across the country to use their endearing attributes to help diffuse simmering political tensions that could develop into full blown conflicts.

November 19, 2012
NDI: Burkina Faso Campaign Brings 16,000 Women Closer to Voter Registration

For Burkina Faso’s last election – a presidential poll in 2010 –difficult and confusing requirements resulted in overwhelmingly low voter registration. Only three million of the country’s six million eligible citizens registered. And of those, only 1.7 million showed up at the polls.

November 1, 2012
Afghanistan: Women among victims of Afghanistan attacks

The UN says 1,145 civilians were killed in the Afghan war in the first six months of this year, blaming 80 per cent of the deaths on fighters - more than half of those caused by roadside bombs.

October 25, 2012
Algeria: As Algerian Elections Approach, Quota Set for Female Candidates

Interior Minister Dahou Ould Kablia described the fatwa issued by the Scientific Council of the Ibadi Confession in Ghardaia forbidding the nomination of women in local elections in the province as an “internal fatwa that concerns a particular community.''

Report on international standards and best practices on electoral financing to promote women’s political participation

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October 15, 2012

Report on international standards and best practices on electoral financing to promote women’s political participation

In 2011-2012, the UNDP Romania CO has supported the Permanent Electoral Authority in identifying key entry points for advancing women participation in politics through the development of modern political party and electoral campaign financing, in accordance with international standards and recomm

In 2011-2012, the UNDP Romania CO has supported the Permanent Electoral Authority in identifying key entry points for advancing women participation in politics through the development of modern political party and electoral campaign financing, in accordance with international standards and recomm