Bill proposes allocating 33 percent of parliament seats to women

Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam has proposed an amendment to the constitution to allocate 33 percent of the seats in the parliament for women.

The bill reads that it is aimed at ensuring female representation among individuals elected to the parliament, increasing the role of women in protecting the interests of the nation and citizens and increasing the participation of women in making crucial national decisions.

It is also aimed at increasing female participation in public, increasing opportunities for women in politics and increasing the percentage of women involved in politics.

The bill proposes adding a section behind Article 71 (b) of the constitution setting down the number of members in the parliament – Article 71 (c) to state that 33 percent of the parliament’s seats should be allocated for women.

Meanwhile, the bill proposes Article 71 (d) to state that the constituencies allocated for women will be decided by a draw and would be on a rotational basis to ensure fairness. 

It also proposes Article 71 (e) to state that the parliament must decide on the allocation of seats of women in the parliament during the next election once women elected to the parliament on this quota complete their terms.

There are only four female parliamentarians in the ongoing 19th parliamentary assembly.

Elections Commission (EC) has previously stated only 10 percent of candidates contesting this year’s parliamentary election are females – accounting to 41 candidates out of the total 368 candidates.