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Tripoli, 27 June
The major part that women are playing in the electoral process has been praised by the UN’s top man . . .[restrict]in Libya.
Ian Martin, Head of the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL), said: “I congratulate you for the contributions you have made to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment to date. I commend your practical efforts to support women to register to vote, to educate women and men as to voting, and the support you are providing to women candidates.”
Martin was speaking at the ‘My Voice for Her’ conference organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The conference, part of a national campaign to support women candidates, attracted more than 350 female electoral candidates among over 500 guests.
In total, there are 625 women standing in the 7 July elections, 540 of whom represent political parties and 85 who are standing as independent candidates. The electoral commission state that 80% of eligible voters have registered, totalling 2.7 million people. Of these, 45% are female.
Martin continued: “The new Libya provides a new opportunity for Libyan women to articulate your political, economic and social aspirations,” adding, “If women have equal opportunities to fulfil their political and socio-economic role, this contributes to development, democracy, nation-building and peace for all Libyans.” [/restrict]
