Viola

Some female MPs are calling for inclusive representation of women in the electoral processes to enhance their participation in the planned upcoming elections.

The lawmakers made the remarks last week, while speaking to Eye Radio on the sidelines of the Consultative Workshop on the Elections Act, (2012) Amendment Bill (2023).

Viola Sati said the Elections Bill (2023) currently being amended does not clearly indicate the representation of women and youth in the process.

The lawmaker emphasized the need to have women represented as outlined in the 35 percent Affirmative Action. She said youth and women have immense contributions to peace-building in the country.

“My view about the electoral bill is that…..it was not clear in regards to representation of youth and then women. Literally, for me issues concerning women, it concerns me and I feel like women need to be given a lot apart from affirmative action, they deserve more,” she said.

“Why? Because women have contributed a lot to the peace-building of this nation and somehow economic and social development. So, you cannot move forward as a nation when issues that concern women are not attended to.”

Ms. Sati is calling on the relevant authorities to include more women in the country’s first democratic transition to allow them to demonstrate their capabilities in the electoral decision-making processes.

“It is my hope and prayer that this nation begins to realize that they can never move forward without women, you cannot go alone, we need to hold hands together and move forward”.

Another Member of Parliament Natalina Malek said the 35 percent allocation in the governance system has provided an opportunity for women to compete with their male counterparts.

She added that affirmative action should as well be cooperated in the electoral processes.

“Now, we are proud that we have women who can deliberate and work together with community and youth and persons with disabilities, I think women are competent, but women affirmative action should be there.”