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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

October 14, 2012
Palestinian Territories: Palestinians Go to the Polls

Maysoun Qawasmi leads the first all-woman list of candidates for elective office in the Palestinian territories.

September 27, 2012
Solomon Islands: PM dislikes reserve seats

PRIME Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo prefers women entering Parliament through the normal electoral process and not by special consideration.

September 25, 2012
Isreal: A make or break election for Israeli women?

It is clear that this election could become a tipping point. Either the opponents of equality will win or those who believe in women’s rights will prevail. Fighting back piecemeal is no longer a viable option.

September 23, 2012
Iraq: Lawmakers Promise Boycott Over Women's Government Role

Iraqi political blocs and parliamentary committees announced that they will boycott parliament sessions in protest of “the marginalization of the role of women in political life, since no seats were allocated to women in the

September 17, 2012
American Samoa: Elections will have highest ever number of women candidates

The 2012 elections in American Samoa will include the highest number of female candidates in the Territory’s history.

60 candidates are vying for the 20 House of Representatives seats.

September 17, 2012
Fiji: Women urged to be more involved in electoral process

WOMEN in the Western Division have been encouraged to become more involved in the electoral process as the country prepares for the 2014 elections.