ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Parliamentary Leader in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman has demanded a level-playing field for everyone - including women - in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) elections.
She said, "It is shocking that not only are women being disallowed to submit papers in their respective areas, but they have also not been given proper security, despite several threats."
"PPP's Sadia Danish needs better security as the G-B administration has clearly told her she's under threat. She has also been told not to submit her papers in the Diamer area, where she's contesting but to submit the same elsewhere," added the senator.
The PPP leader said, "Part-1, A(6) Code of Conduct for the GB elections 2020 clearly states that 'Political Parties shall endeavor to provide equal opportunity to its qualified members both men and women to participate in the electoral process'. Then why are women being denied submitting their papers in their respective areas? It is a violation of the Code of Conduct," the senator added.
She said that it was important to point out that The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) had also urged the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan (ECGB) to take appropriate measures to further improve voters' access to polling stations, particularly of women, for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly election.
Commenting on the strong presence of women in the G-B, the senator said that women votes in the G-B region were very strong and must be respected at all times.
She said that they were also deprived of their basic rights in some parts of the region, especially in Diamer.
"It is our duty and responsibility to make sure that women are given all the rights in contesting the election," she said.
"Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has categorically stated that we will not let anyone snatch women's right to vote in the G-B elections. SMBB fought to empower women all over Pakistan and we must continue her legacy. PPP has introduced democracy in this mountainous region, and we will ensure women thrive and prosper in the upcoming G-B elections," the senator added.
"Federal Minister Gandapur has been illegally visiting and campaigning in G-B. This is an open violation of election rules in G-B. According to the Election Act, 2017, the federal government is not allowed to campaign on the ground. On top of all this, the PM had also decided to add to this flagrant rigging and misuse of federal resources by landing in G-B to campaign last week," she said.
Sherry Rehman concluded by saying, "PPP has and always will stand by the women of G-B. Our party will make sure that women are being given equal opportunities in the electoral process. We want to empower our women, not disenfranchise them from the elections."
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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