Councillors push for gender equality

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