Women not being given a level playing field in GB elections, Sherry

Islamabad: PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman has demanded a level playing field for everyone – including women – in the upcoming Gilgit Baltistan (GB) elections 2020.

“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 GB 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.

“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, added the Senator.

“It is important to point out that The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has 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”, added the Senator.

Commenting on the strong presence of women in GB, the Senator added, “Women votes in the GB region are very strong and must be respected at all times. They are 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 have been given all the rights in contesting the elections.”

Chairman PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has categorically stated that we will not let anyone snatch women’s right to vote in the GB 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 GB elections”, added the Senator.

“Federal minister Gandapur has been illegally visiting and campaigning in GB. This is an open violation of election rules in GB. 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 GB to campaign last week”, added the Senator.