Women’s rights activists have raised concerns over the small number of women contesting the upcoming national election, saying that while female voters are heavily targeted in campaigns, women remain largely absent from leadership positions. Observers warn this imbalance may slow progress in women’s political participation.
Election data show that women make up nearly half of the voter population, with over 62 million registered women voters. Yet out of 1,981 candidates in the election, only 85 are women. Of those nominated by political parties, 38 are women. Analysts note this is a decline from the previous parliamentary election, when 101 women candidates contested.
Rights advocates say major parties are highlighting promises aimed at “mothers and sisters” in campaign messaging but are not matching those pledges with nominations. Some activists describe the situation as contradictory: women are seen as key voters, yet are underrepresented as decision-makers.
The issue also surfaced within parties. When the National Citizen Party (NCP) initially announced candidates, it nominated several women, but some female leaders later resigned or withdrew amid alliance decisions. Others are now contesting independently. Female candidates who remain in the race say their participation challenges discriminatory attitudes and may encourage more women to enter politics in the future.
Activists say many party promises related to women’s issues repeat older narratives and may not reflect current global rights standards. They caution that campaign commitments do not always translate into policy action.
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