KATHMANDU: The Women’s Service Organization has submitted recommendations to the Election Commission, calling for the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities, and youth in the proposed amendment to the Political Parties Act, 2013.
The organization also highlighted the need to make election expenses more economical.
A team led by the organization’s Chairperson, Bhavana Bhatta, handed over a letter of suggestions to Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari on Monday.
The suggestions were prepared following consultations with political leaders, women’s organizations, civil society members, indigenous and marginalized communities, and disability rights and sexual minority activists.
During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari acknowledged that the Political Parties Bill and the Election Bill are interrelated and assured that the Commission would consider the recommendations during upcoming discussions.
Commissioner Dr. Janaki Tuladhar stressed that all laws should align with constitutional provisions, advocating for 33 percent inclusion across all party structures, not just for women.
The organization’s proposals call for the mandatory inclusion of youth and underrepresented groups in the central and provincial committees when registering political parties.
It also urges that two leadership positions within parties be reserved for women and that clear provisions be made to ensure the representation of sexual and gender minorities and people with disabilities.
Chairperson Bhatta underscored the urgency of advancing discussions and finalizing the bills to ensure their implementation by the 2027 elections.
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