Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is atop of the list of 107 political parties issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) with regard to awarding tickets to women on general seats for elections 2018 under Section 206 of the Election Act 2017, which bounds political parties to ensure at least five percent representation of women candidates on general seats.
With arrow as its election symbol, PPP issued its tickets to 43 women among a total of 642. Though as per the law, PPP had to award tickets to 32 women but yet it provided its platform to 43 women, 11 more than legally required.
Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) awarded tickets to 42 women on general seats among its 769 candidates, though it was bound to adjust 38 women.
Likewise, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) having fielded a total of 639 candidates allotted its tickets to 37 women against the required quota of 32 women.
Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) awarded tickets to 30 women (3 in excess), Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) 33 women (7 in excess), Awami National Party (ANP) 14 women (5 in excess), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 6 women (2 in excess), Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) 12 women (5 in excess), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) 8 women (3 in excess), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) 5 women (3 in excess), Balochistan National Party (NBP) 3 women (1 in excess), and Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT) 10 women (2 less than required quota).
Section 206 of the Elections Act 2017 reads:
“A political party shall make the selection of candidates for elective offices, including membership of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies, through a transparent and democratic procedure and while making the selection of candidates on general seats shall ensure at least five per cent representation of women candidates.”
