ECP urged to ensure women’s share

LAHORE:

The Aurat foundation has urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure that all political parties allocate five per cent tickets to women candidates on general seats in each of the provincial and national assemblies as per Article 206 of the Elections Act 2017.

Sharing serious concern on delay in publication of final lists of candidates by political parties, the organisation stated that compliance with Article 206 was a legal obligation for their eligibility for allocation of electoral symbols.

In a statement, the foundation termed it a legal and constitutional requirement to safeguard the participation of women in electoral and political processes. “If not fulfilled, parties cannot contest elections,” it added.

Appreciating measures taken by the ECP for protecting women’s rights, the Aurat Foundation said it expected that the commission would ensure the allocation of 5% party tickets to women.

Article 206 states, “A political party shall make the selection of candidates for elective offices, including membership of the Majlis-e-Shoora (parliament) and provincial assemblies, through a transparent and democratic procedure and while making the selection of candidates on general seats shall ensure at least 5% representation of women candidates.”

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The Aurat Foundation said the political parties must ensure awarding 5% general seats’ tickets to its women candidates out of all tickets awarded for each assembly.

Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has urged political parties to ensure a 5 per cent representation of women on general seats for the upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8.

This initiative aligns with Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, which emphasises the importance of gender diversity in political decision-making processes.

The ECP spokesperson, in a statement on Sunday, emphasised the collective responsibility of all political parties to contribute to a more inclusive and representative democracy.

According to him, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive list of both male and female candidates holding party tickets for general seats within a period of five days.

This call for action is rooted in the Elections Act, 2017, which mandates a 5 per cent representation of women candidates in general seats. The move aims to address gender disparities in political representation and foster an environment where women actively participate in shaping the future of the nation.

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The ECP reminds political entities that the assigned symbols must adhere to Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, ensuring compliance with the 5 per cent representation of women candidates in general seats.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officers of the ECP have completed the scrutiny of nomination papers for seats reserved for women and minorities in the national and four provincial assemblies.

According to the schedule issued by the ECP, appeals for the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers by Returning Officers can be submitted until January 16 and the Appellate Tribunal will hear them until January 19.

Meanwhile, women political activists have called for protection of women from harassment and facilitation of their voting to bolster their participation in the democratic process.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2024.