Pakistan

ECP binds political parties to allot 5% of tickets to women

Links provision of election symbols to fulfilment of all prerequisites

Irfan Ghauri May 12, 2018

The final list of candidates and their party symbols is to be notified on January 13. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD: Election authorities on Friday asked political parties to ensure that they fulfil all legal provisions to get election symbols for the general elections. The provisions include an affidavit stating they will allot at least five per cent of general seat tickets to women.

It is the first time that a special provision was added in the election laws to bind political parties to give tickets to women. This is an addition to reserved seats for women in all the legislative bodies.

The Election Commission of Pakistan in a press release said any party failing to fulfil these prerequisites would not be eligible for allocation of election symbols. Among the other conditions a political party is required to provide a certificate that it has been holding intra-party elections within the time frame mentioned in respective party's constitution, and statement of assets and accounts of the party signed by the party head.

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Moreover, ECP handout further said that political parties contesting elections in a coalition can apply for a joint election symbol as well. However, to do that, all the political groups that would constitute a coalition must individually fulfil the conditions of declaring assets and holding intra-party elections. The coalition as a whole would also have to submit a covenant regarding granting five per cent tickets to women.

Another special provision to encourage women participation in elections is that at least 10 per cent of the total votes cast must be of women, otherwise, the results will be voided and a reelection will be called.

Till a few years ago, gender-segregated data of polled votes was not available. In many parts of the country, women were barred from going to polling stations and using their right of franchise. The new laws, however, are aimed at discouraging such covert agreements by local chapters of political parties and notables of areas who may try to discriminate against women.