Revisiting the Question of Women Representation in Politics: The Case of Electoral Reengineering and Malpractices in Pakistan

Abstract

The population and housing census of Pakistan 2023, reveals that half of the ratio of Pakistani population consists on women but unfortunately they are kept out of every important decision and policy making forums. The major reason of this is electoral design of women representation. Since Introduction of Indian Act 1935 in Indo-Pak Sub-continent till date, no clear formula is implemented as a clear road map of women representation in Pakistan. This paper highlights the incompatibility of electoral system of Pakistan under Majoritarian system to handle growing gender based issues in Pakistan. Methodologically, this paper is based on secondary resources and observes current and upcoming structure of national parliament in Pakistan. The paper concludes that many core reforms are needed to enhance effective women representation in state structure of Pakistan i.e. paradigm shift in the formula of electoral system on technical grounds and socio-political reforms on state and societal level to enhance civic sense.