Campaign to increase quota of seats for women in elections

Women activists are stepping up a campaign to petition Jordanian lawmakers to give them a quota of at least 20 percent of seats in local councils in upcoming municipal elections. The appeal was made on Tuesday during a meeting organised by the Jordanian National Forum for Women (JNFW) in the capital, Amman, which brought together 350 women’s activists, community representatives, NGOs and members of parliament. "A quota for women will help increase their political participation and bring desired reforms," said Mai Abu Samen, head of the JNFW. Abu Samen said that a quota system would serve to double women's current representation in municipal councils. Prime Minister Marouf al-Bakheet announced this week that the government would hold local elections under new legislation aimed at opening up council seats, except those in the capital, Amman, to elected representatives. Municipalities Minister Nader Thuhairat urged the participation of women in the upcoming contest. "Jordanian women’s organisations should unify their efforts to participate in the coming elections," he said. In the past, women have won several council seats across the kingdom, including one who was elected head of the Kherbat al-Wahdanah town municipality in 1995, Thuhairat pointed out. Women activists believe that a quota system is essential to help improve their chances in a political system that traditionally favours male candidates and hinges on tribal loyalties. In 2003 elections, the government reserved six out of 110 seats for women in the lower house of the national assembly. Six women who received the highest percentage of votes in their respective constituencies were elected, with between 5 and 10 percent of ballots cast. Critics say the system has limited competition and allowed unqualified women to win parliamentary seats. Women's groups have called for a larger number of reserved seats to help them play a bigger role in local politics.