Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Bossman Asare, has voiced concern over the low number of female candidates participating in the December 7 general elections.
He described it as a significant gender disparity in political representation.
Speaking at a forum in Winneba with religious leaders and political party representatives, Dr Asare highlighted the importance of inclusive political engagement, revealing that only 120 women are running for parliamentary seats out of over 800 candidates nationwide.
The forum, themed “Enhancing the Electoral Process and Fostering Peaceful Co-existence,” aimed to address key issues surrounding the upcoming elections and encourage collaborative efforts toward a fair and peaceful process.
In his address, Dr. Asare noted that despite the EC’s initiatives to support female participation, including a 25% reduction in filing fees for female candidates and persons with disabilities, women’s involvement remains disappointingly low.
“For this year’s nominations, the filing fee for female candidates and persons with disabilities was reduced by 25 percent. Male presidential candidates paid GH¢100,000, while female candidates and persons with disabilities paid GH¢75,000. For parliamentary seats, male candidates paid GH¢10,000, and female candidates and persons with disabilities paid GH¢7,500,” he explained.
“The aim was to encourage greater female participation, but unfortunately, the turnout was not very encouraging.”
Dr. Asare emphasized that the limited female representation in Parliament not only hampers gender equality but also restricts the broader socio-political advancements that diversity brings to governance.
He noted that, a balanced political landscape is crucial for addressing the varied needs and perspectives within national policy.
