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

A record number of indigenous women are running for office this year

Back

October 26, 2020

A record number of indigenous women are running for office this year

A report from the Center for American Women and Politics states that, in 2020, 18 Native American women—nine Democrats and nine Republicans—will have run as congressional candi

Key facts about women’s suffrage around the world, a century after U.S. ratified 19th Amendment

Back

October 19, 2020

Key facts about women’s suffrage around the world, a century after U.S. ratified 19th Amendment

This year marks the centennial of the ratification of

October 12, 2020

Iranian women can register as candidates for presidential election

There are no obstacles for women to register as candidates for presidential election in Iran, said the Guardian Council Spokesman, said Abbasali Kadkhodaei, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency.

Learn More

Event

Impact of COVID-19 on women’s political, electoral and governance participation in Africa and the Caribbean

Back

Impact of COVID-19 on women’s political, electoral and governance participation in Africa and the Caribbean

This webinar series is part of the Commonwealth Secretariat effort at fostering virtual dialogues on the gendered and shadow impact of COVID-19 on women, through its Inclusive Dialogue and Wom

September 25, 2020

SIGI urges women planning to run for elections to form their own lists

A local organisation on Sunday called on women wishing to run for the upcoming parliamentary elections to form their own lists and not to wait to be included in other candidates' lists.

Learn More

September 23, 2020

Coalition of political parties women in Liberia says national legislature is not balanced, as they train female candidates for December election

Ahead of the December 8, 2020 Senatorial election, the Coalition of Political Parties Women in Liberia (COPPWIL) says the national legislature is not balanced because of the limited female representation in the Liberian Senate.

Learn More

September 22, 2020

Kenya's parliament to challenge dissolution bid over lack of women

Justin Muturi, speaker of the National Assembly and chairman of the Parliamentary Service Commission, said Maraga's advisory was unconstitutional, while organisations that pushed for the petition called it an unprecedented test of Kenyan law.

Learn More

September 18, 2020

Bolivian interim President Anez withdraws from election race

Bolivia's interim President Jeanine Anez has said she will not run in the country's election next month, in an attempt to unify votes against the MAS party of former leader Evo Morales.

Learn More

September 15, 2020

In Japan’s male-dominated politics, women face obstacles to making history

Lawmakers who were vying to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who won the overwhelming support of the party’s members, have vowed to continue outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to empower women and raise their share of leadership rol

Learn More

Subscribe to Elections