ECP’s Recommendation to Increase Role of Women in Electoral Process
In its Annual Report 2018, Election Commission of Pakistan documented list of recommendations in 13 different categories. These recommendations aimed to further strengthen the electoral process in Pakistan. Following recommendations from compendium deals with the potential measure that can be taken to increase the women participation in electoral process.
Preparation of Constituency-wise List of Polling Stations and List of Polling Personnel
- To encourage polling staff especially females, it may be ensured that they be assigned duties nearest to their residence with increased financial incentives;
- Furthermore, targeted awareness and motivational campaign may also be carried out for female polling staff.
Revision of Electoral Rolls
- Federal Government may issue a direction to NADRA for increasing registration of women, persons with disabilities, minorities and transgender persons by removing existing challenges and barriers.
Enlistment of Political Parties
- Section 202 of the Elections Act, 2017 may be amended to provide that the list of 2,000 members provided by political parties for enlistment shall consist of 20 per cent women members.
Security Measures
- As a long-term measure, the federal and provincial governments may take steps to increase women representation in the law enforcement agencies to minimize deficiency of female security personnel.