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AN OPEN LETTER TO ELECTION COMMISSION AND POLITICAL PARTIES

We, the National Alliance of women, are writing this to express our deep dissatisfaction with the meager allotment of tickets to women candidates by major political parties in the lists put out by them. It is our contention that political parties that don’t have an adequate representation of women within their organization are not truly representative of our democracy. Moreover, it is incumbent on all who are in a position of responsibility to create a just social order. These precedents of unfairness in ticket allotment serve to perpetuate the gender imbalance in opportunities available to men and women in India.

National Alliance for Women’s Reservation Bill (a platform with members from many women’s organizations), has met with the previous election commissioners. We have, on several occasions submitted appeals to them take appropriate steps with all political parties to ensure greater representation of women in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas. The 16th Lok Sabha has a dismal representation of only 12% women elected representatives. As per the data from ECI, out of the total 4896 MPs/MLAs across the country, only 418 or 9% are women.

We wish to point out that our constitution envisages equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of gender among other differences. However, it is indeed sad to note thatwomen comprising nearly 50% of our population do not find sufficient representation both at the center and state level, as mentioned earlier. It is all the more ironical, as the Parliamentary Study itself had recommended a critical minimum of 33% representation for any effective policy regarding social, economic and political justice for women were to be made and implemented.

It is quite apparent that over the years, women’s representation has been steadily increasing in various spheres including corporate world, judiciary, and sports and even in army and Para- military forces hitherto considered an exclusive male preserve and more importantly as visible voters.

Yet, political parties are reluctant to field women candidates, in their constituencies, notwithstanding their constant claims to be champions of gender equality. Reasons or may we say most common excuses given are ‘win-ability’ and ‘not a career for women’. The patriarchal mindset of the political leadership is reflected in the fact that they accuse women of being proxy representatives and incompetent administrators, but are comfortable with fielding men who have pending criminal cases registered against them. Some of the cases are of crimes against women.

The question is these refrains raise doubts about the intentions of political parties when selecting male candidates with gender discriminatory and biased views on women.The riders on women seeking political participation include education, economic strength, etc., in the name of competence. However, men are exempt from all such criteria. Being male is the only qualification needed.

While we are aware that this issue is required to be tackled mainly by the political parties, it will be in the fitness of things for the election commission to remind the political parties and the general public on the need to create conditions and provide equal opportunities to women to contest from their constituencies.

The Election Commission of India enjoys an enviable reputation for organizing just and tremendously large scale elections. Proactive intervention by the commission, on behalf of women, would go a long way in securing democracy in the country. Should the election commission take such a step, it will give a deeper meaning to the term ‘model code of conduct’ and be truly reflective of adapting successfully to the changing social norms.

We sincerely hope the Election Commission sees it fit to respond to the aspirations of the women voters with bold and decisive steps that will contribute in setting right the gender imbalance in society. As custodians of our constitution women hope to see the Election Commission go well beyond the call of routine conduct of elections and add this special dimension of gender justice to forthcoming elections.

We urge all political parties, irrespective of political compulsions, to contemplate and work towards their oft repeated electoral claim of empowerment and emancipation of women. From the right to the left leaning political parties, all have in individual or collective capacities talked about supporting the passage of the WRB. It has been a poll promise used often in speeches and election manifestoes. Yet, the bill has not been tabled, nor has any steps been taken by political parties to work towards gender justice within their own hierarchies.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind leaders of political parties that their hollow promises to half the country’s population is being called to question.

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