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Pakistan 2024 General Elections: women’s underrepresentation in politics continue

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Pakistan 2024 General Elections: women’s underrepresentation in politics continue

Source: Khyber News

PESHAWAR: In the lead-up to Pakistan’s general elections on Thursday, a concerning reality emerges regarding the inadequate prioritization of women’s representation within political parties.

According to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), which monitors polls in the country, out of a total of 6,037 candidates competing for general seats nationwide, only 275 are women, reflecting a mere 4.6 percent participation rate in the elections. This falls below the legal requirement of a minimum five percent representation mandated by Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, extending to elective offices, including seats in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies.

FAFEN’s report exposes that out of 111 political parties, only 30 have met or surpassed the required five percent representation of women candidates. Another four parties hover close, with percentages ranging between 4.50 and 4.99. However, a significant majority of parties, numbering 77, have failed to even meet the minimum 4.50 percent threshold, indicating a systemic disregard for women’s participation. 

Click here to read the full article published by the Khyber News on 7 February 2024.

Image source: Khyber News

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Source: Khyber News

PESHAWAR: In the lead-up to Pakistan’s general elections on Thursday, a concerning reality emerges regarding the inadequate prioritization of women’s representation within political parties.

According to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), which monitors polls in the country, out of a total of 6,037 candidates competing for general seats nationwide, only 275 are women, reflecting a mere 4.6 percent participation rate in the elections. This falls below the legal requirement of a minimum five percent representation mandated by Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, extending to elective offices, including seats in the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies.

FAFEN’s report exposes that out of 111 political parties, only 30 have met or surpassed the required five percent representation of women candidates. Another four parties hover close, with percentages ranging between 4.50 and 4.99. However, a significant majority of parties, numbering 77, have failed to even meet the minimum 4.50 percent threshold, indicating a systemic disregard for women’s participation. 

Click here to read the full article published by the Khyber News on 7 February 2024.

Image source: Khyber News

Region
Focus areas

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