All talk, no action: women make up mere 16% of Melaka candidates

[superadmin]

AYER KEROH – So much for the bluster on women empowerment, as this has not been reflected in the number of female candidates being fielded in Melaka.

Despite all the talk and commitment for better gender representation by both sides of the political divide over the years, women make up a measly number in the candidate pool for the Melaka election.

Of the 91 individuals who have announced their candidacies so far, including politicians from 10 parties and two independents, there are only 15 women in the field.

This is a paltry 16.5%, a far cry from the 30% often talked about by the parties.

According to Election Commission data, women account for 51.43% of the voters in the state.

On the government front, which comprises from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), only 11 women have been put forward as candidates.


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