06 Factors Affecting Women Participation in Local Bodies' Election in Pakistan

Abstract

The paper analyses factors that affect women participation in the electoral process in Pakistan. The study is based on the analysis of secondary data regarding sociocultural, political and administrative constraints to women participation in the Local Bodies‘ election. The study concludes that misinterpretation of religion, male dominancy, patriarchal society, illiteracy, Purdah and lack of support from political parties are factors which affects women participation in local bodies‘ elections. Furthermore, poor management, lack of security and confusing polling process also hamper women participation in the electoral process. The study recommends that for ensuring women participation in the local body‘s election, separate polling stations/booths should be established, security personnel should be provided to the women polling stations, informal agreements of the Jirga/Punchayat and workers of political parties for barring women should be discouraged.