A strong call has been made to encourage greater voter participation of women in the next general election.
Salesh Kumar told the Electoral Reform consultation at Nadele in Sabeto, Nadi this week of the direct correlation between increased female voter turnout and the potential for a higher number of women holding seats in Parliament.
“They’re supposed to vote so that candidates, women candidates, can be there,” he said.
Mr Kumar acknowledged a lack of understanding regarding the precise obstacles women face when attempting to exercise their right to vote.
“I don’t know why they cannot make it, maybe they have other commitments, but they are supposed to come.”
He said there was a need for greater female representation in Parliament.
“Because women also need to go there, in Parliament.
“Not only five, it’s supposed to be 10 or more because everybody is supposed to be free.”
