Dhaka : A five-member delegation from UN Women today sought an explanation from the Election Commission over the low level of female representation in the 13th National Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the delegation at the EC headquarters in Agargaon this afternoon, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the UN Women team shared its observations on the election and discussed ways to increase women’s participation.
“We informed them that seven women candidates won in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, though more had contested. Ultimately, candidates must secure votes to win,” Akhtar said.
He added that the EC informed the delegation that out of 350 lawmakers, seven women were elected to general seats, while another 50 occupy reserved seats, taking the total number of female MPs to 57.
“We hope this number will rise further in local government elections,” he said.
The EC also told UN Women that the gender gap in the voter list has narrowed.
“The gap between male and female voters was nearly three million. It has now been reduced to 1.8 million, and efforts are underway to narrow it further,” Akhtar said.
He further said the delegation was informed that the recent election saw no violence or ballot snatching.
Asked whether UN Women had made any recommendations, the EC secretary said, “They are working with us on gender issues and assured us that this collaboration will continue.”
The UN Women delegation was led by Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. Christine Arab, Gitanjali Singh, Navnita Sinha and Tapati Saha were also present.
On behalf of the commission, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and EC member Tahmida Ahmad attended the meeting.
