AAWAZ PROVINCIAL DIALOGUE MEETING ON ‘EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN LG ELECTIONS IN PUNJAB’

It was debated and discussed that according to the Article 140-A of the Constitution makes it mandatory for all the provincial governments in the country to establish local government systems and devolve administrative, financial responsibility and authority to the elected representatives of the local bodies, with increased representation of women and excluded groups in local governments by amending Article 32 of the Constitution.  It is the responsibility of provincial governments to provide safe environment for women and minorities so that they may play effective and constructive role in development process. These ideas were expressed by different representatives of political parties. AmnaUlfat PML(Q) UzmaBukhari PML(N), Dr. Semi Bukhari Pakistan Vice (PTI), Humaira Tariq and  Aafiaserwer from Jamaat e Islami, Mehnaz Rafi human rights activist/Ex-MNA, Sunila Ruth MPA, PTI(minority seat) , Salman Abid Regional head (SPO), Mumtaz Mughal provincial manager Aurat foundation, ZakirShaheen provincial manger SAP PK addressed as guest speakers at the provincial meeting. A brief reflection session was held taking comments and questions from audiences.

The meeting was attended by total 150 people (87 Women, 61 Men, 2 Transgender) out of which there were 21 Political Party Representatives, participants came from SPO Lahore Network (including minority representatives), Political Party steering committee members, media experts (print and electronic), AAWAZ district forum members hailing from Gujranwla, Okara, Nanakana Sahib, and Lahore, and CSN of QillaGujjar Singh alongwith members provincial assembly Punjab.

A six-point Charter of Demand have been articulated in connection with Dialogue/Lobbying Meetings with Political parties to seek pledges from political leadership to nominate maximum possible women and minority candidates in Local Government elections in Punjab.

The following demands have been raised by AAWAZ consortium partners;

1. As per Supreme Court’s decision, local government elections should be immediately held at political party basis.
2. In accordance with Article 140-A of the Constitution, it is mandatory for all the provincial governments in the country to establish local government systems and devolve administrative, financial responsibility and authority to the elected representatives of the local bodies. 
3. Ensure representation of women and excluded groups in local government by amending Article 32 of the Constitution accordingly.
4. Provincial government should guarantee safe participation of women and monitories in political process. Whereas, political parties should ensure that within their constituencies, women are not bar to vote or become candidate at any tier.  Serious actions should be taken if women are stopped to caste vote in elections.
5. Policy level measures should be taken, thus ensuring increased representation of women on minority seats.
6. It is the responsibility of provincial Government to safeguard women and minority interest in local government elections, while also warranting peaceful and safe environment to ensure their maximum participation and representation.