Iraqi President: We have to enhance women's electoral and political empowerment

Women 06:11 PM - 2021-10-02

On Saturday, the President of the Republic of Iraq, Barham Salih met with a delegation including some women activists and women from civil society organizations from Iraq at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad. 

The country's next federal election set to take place on October 10 was discussed during the meeting, with a focus on the need to ensure a large turn-out, especially by women.

"The election is a milestone and historical event in the history of Iraq," Iraqi President Salih said.

"Therefore, a major political transformation should be made, and the situation must be redressed, and good governance meeting the Iraqis' demands to live a life of dignity and freedom must be established also," he added.

Furthermore, he emphasized that women's electoral and political empowerment should be enhanced as they are essential to the country's elections.

He noted that the number of female voters is almost half of the total number of electors, and the number of women's candidates is 30%, which surpasses the quota system and reflects the insistence of women to actively stand for elections.

"It is vital to create the right conditions that ensure fair and free participation of women in the elections to choose the better representatives for the next Iraqi Parliament," he added.

Additionally, President Salih said, that "the current electoral system enables women to have several good seats in the legislative institution through a quota system. We have a good and modern law compared to the electoral law in many other States, and we hope to be better in the next elections."

"The issue of the position of women in society is essential and is closely linked to the development, economy, and social stability," he continued. 

"The economy can't be developed, and development can't be achieved without empowering women," he said.

Moreover, the President also said, that "personal targeting through discrediting women candidates is an unfortunate, painful and unacceptable state so this act must be prevented, and must not be allowed to occur again."

 

 

PUKmedia / Iraqi Presidency