Female voter turnout

As the general elections in Pakistan edge closer, the persistent issue of low participation of female voters has continued to impede the democratic process. The numerical disparities over the past decade sketch an alarming picture. While general elections have maintained an average overall turnout of 50%, the female turnout alone has plateaued at an unsettling 40%.

At the heart of this issue lies the prerequisite for CNICs for voter registration. While commendable efforts have been undertaken to encourage women to obtain CNICs, the immediacy of this requirement appears less apparent for many women compared to their male counterparts. With over 10 million women lacking a CNIC, they are automatically disenfranchised, distorting the democratic representation and leaving a significant demographic without a voice in the overall discourse. Here, societal norms and cultural barriers are a primary impediment. Deeply entrenched traditional expectations confine women to conventional roles, limiting their public engagement especially in politics. The conservative mindset prevalent in many communities acts as a deterrent to women aspiring to contribute to national decision-making and hence restrictions are imposed. The consequences of this are far-reaching. Inadequate representation in political forums dilutes the diversity of perspectives, resulting in policies that may not fully address the needs of the entire population. Such underrepresentation leads to a lack of attention to issues affecting women, from healthcare to education to gender-based violence.

Addressing low female participation is not only a matter of justice but also a pragmatic approach to building a robust and inclusive society. The coming elections present an opportune moment for Pakistan to recalibrate its democratic framework to make it more inclusive for every citizen, so that everyone can contribute to the mosaic of voices shaping the nation’s destiny.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2023.

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