HRCP urges ECP to ensure 5% women representation

Rights watchdog underscores importance of gender parity in political representation

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has joined the Aurat Foundation in expressing concern over the failure of major political parties to meet the requirement of allocating at least 5 per cent of their party tickets for general seats to women, as mandated by Section 206 of the Elections Act 2017.

In a statement on social media platform X, HRCP advocated for a minimum requirement of women representation, with parties urged to take affirmative action to ensure that at least one-third of their candidates for general seats are women.

HRCP echoes the Aurat Foundation's concern that the main political parties have failed to ensure that at least 5 percent of their party tickets for general seats are awarded to women in accordance with S. 206 of the Elections Act 2017. In principle, this should be a minimum…

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) February 6, 2024

The statement underscores the importance of gender parity in political representation, emphasising that increased women participation is essential for the development of inclusive and representative governance.

HRCP welcomed the decision of the Islamabad High Court to request an explanation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the issue. The move reflects a step towards addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women's meaningful participation in politics.

Read also: ECP urged to ensure women’s share

Last month Aurat Foundation urged the ECP to ensure that all political parties allocate five per cent of tickets to women candidates on general seats in each of the provincial and national assemblies.

Sharing serious concern about the delay in the 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 to protect women’s rights, the Aurat Foundation said it expected that the commission would ensure the allocation of 5% party tickets to women.

Read: Call for 5% women representation

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

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.