TM Emphasises Need for Gender Equality in Political Participation

Transparency Maldives (TM) has highlighted the critical importance of identifying and tackling obstacles hindering women’s equal participation in politics.

In a press release issued following the closure of polling stations after Sunday’s parliamentary elections for the 20th People’s Majlis term, TM drew attention to the Maldives’ position at 175 out of 184 countries in the Inter Parliamentary Union’s index of parliaments regarding gender balance. Notably, TM highlighted that the country currently ranks the lowest in the South Asia region in this regard.

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TM asserted that it is essential for relevant authorities to recognise and address the barriers obstructing women’s equal political participation.

The organisation urged political parties to proactively review internal mechanisms and policies to confront challenges to women’s representation. Additionally, political parties were encouraged to intensify efforts to enhance women’s representation in electoral processes.

TM also advocated for gender equality in political participation and called for increased efforts to achieve this goal.

Provisional results revealed that only three out of all the female candidates secured seats. A total of 41 women contested seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, including incumbents.

Of the victorious female candidates, two contested with the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) tickets, while the other was an independent candidate. The successful candidates include Fathimath Saudha, sister of incumbent president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who contested for the Nilandhoo seat; Asma Rasheed, who contested for the Central Maafannu seat; and Anara Naeem, the government-endorsed candidate for the Huraa constituency.

In the 19th parliamentary tenure, three parliamentarians represented the former ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), while one represented ‘The Democrats’.

The decrease in female representation in the upcoming parliamentary term is noteworthy, especially considering President Muizzu’s earlier commitment to increasing the percentage of female representation in parliament. He also pledged a special allowance for female MPs securing seats after running with the ruling coalition’s tickets.