Councillors push for gender equality

JAKARTA: Women politicians in regional legislative councils across the country have urged the government and the House of Representatives to revise Law No. 12/2003 on elections which they say half-heartedly supports gender equality in politics.

In a statement which followed their national meeting recently, the women politicians said the law should stipulate that the 30 percent quota of seats in legislative councils is mandatory.

Article 65 of the law recommends that every political party have a representation of women of at least 30 percent in its selection of legislative candidates.

The women also demanded a separate law on regional elections, citing flaws in the administration of the direct elections for regents and governors recently.

The statement, signed by 35 women councillors, has been sent to House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono. -- JP