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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive mandating all political parties participating in the upcoming 2024 general elections to ensure a minimum of 5% representation of women candidates in general seats. This directive, outlined in Section 206 of the Elections Act, of 2017, is a significant step toward promoting gender inclusivity in the political landscape. The ECP’s emphasis on gender representation reflects a commitment to fostering a more equitable and diverse political sphere in Pakistan.
The commission has set a stringent deadline for political parties to submit a comprehensive list of both male and female candidates nominated for general seats within five days of the declaration. This move comes in the wake of the recent decision to deprive Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of its election symbol for non-compliance with the 5% representation requirement. The ECP’s unwavering stance on gender inclusivity underscores the importance of women’s participation in the electoral process and sends a clear message to political entities about the imperative of upholding gender diversity in governance.