ECP Urges 5% Women Representation in Upcoming Pak Elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has urged political parties to follow the provisions of Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017, in order to promote gender inclusion in the political scene. The ECP is pushing all parties to achieve a minimum of 5% female representation on general seats in the next elections on February 8.

The ECP spokeswoman highlighted that political parties must submit a thorough list of male and female candidates running for general seats on party tickets within the next five days. Noncompliance with this instruction may result in sanctions or other repercussions as specified in the election regulations.

Political parties have been granted emblems as part of the preparations for the 2024 general elections, and they are now required to follow Section 206 of the Elections Act of 2017. This clause seeks to redress the historical gender inequality in political representation by establishing a quota of at least 5% female candidates for general seats.

The Election Commission's demand for gender balance is consistent with larger initiatives to promote inclusion and equitable representation in Pakistan's political processes, and it represents an important step toward establishing a more varied and representative democracy.