ECP has urged political parties to ensure a 5% representation of Women

Within five days, ECP requests that parties submit names of male and female candidates

Islamabad: In preparation for the next general elections on February 8, which are scheduled, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested political parties to guarantee a five percent representation of women on general seats.

This program is in line with Elections Act of 2017 Section 206, which highlights the value of gender diversity in political decision-making.

In a statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson for the ECP emphasized that it is the duty of all political parties to work together to promote a more representative and inclusive democracy.

He states that political parties have five days to provide a complete list of all the male and female candidates who have party tickets for general elections.

Read More: Election 2024: 150 parties were given electoral symbols for the polls on February 8

The Elections Act, 2017, which requires a 5% representation of female candidates in general elections, is the basis for this call to action. The goal of the initiative is to close the gender gap in political representation and create a climate in which women take an active role in determining the course of the country.

In order to comply with the requirement that there be 5% of female candidates running for general seats, the ECP reminded political organizations that the emblems they have been assigned must follow Section 206 of the Elections Act, 2017.

In the meantime, the nomination papers for the national and four provincial assembly’ seats designated for women and minorities have been thoroughly examined by the ECP’s Returning Officers.

Read More: The question, according to SC, is whether the PHC could overturn the ECP ruling

Appeals regarding the approval or rejection of nomination papers by Returning Officers may be filed until January 16 and heard by the Appellate Tribunal until January 19, following the ECP schedule.

The revised list of candidates will be issued on January 20, withdrawal of nomination papers can be lodged until January 22, and the final list of candidates will be unveiled on January 23.