30% of election candidates must be women, equality watchdog tells political parties

With the exception of the 2014 European Parliament elections, gender representation in Maltese politics has always been weak, to the point that Malta ranks far below the average according to the Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR) 2015.

Currently, the percentage of women in the National Parliament is 13% as opposed to the global average of 22.8%. For the first time in 2014, Malta achieved a successful gender-balanced representation in the elections for the European Parliament – with a 66% representation of women.

Out of 145 countries, GGGR 2015 ranked Malta 108 in relation to women in parliament and 123 in women in ministerial positions.

Concerned by the dismal ranking, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) has come forward with a tangible proposal which would increase the representation, starting from candidature stage.

“NCPE is putting forward the proposal to introduce a system whereby Maltese society endeavours to be represented by a balance of women and men on a long-term basis,” the Commission said.

To achieve this objective, political parties would alternate between women and men candidates in the electoral lists presented at all three levels - local council, national Parliament and European Parliament elections.

The system could be introduced over a number of years and, for each electoral level, would target at least a 30% representation of each sex in party electoral lists for the coming elections; at least 40% representation of each sex in party electoral lists for the following elections; and at least 50% representation of each sex in party electoral lists in all subsequent elections.

“Lists that are not in line with this rule should be rejected by the Electoral Commission,” the NCPE said.

“The introduction of a permanent system that ensures gender-balance in political decision-making will spur national institutions, political parties and civil society to become leaders for change and address those social, cultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s political participation.”

The NCPE said that such barriers include a male-dominated environment makes it harder for women to participate and succeed, a predominantly male incumbency, lack of women candidates, direct and indirect discrimination in the choice of candidates and weak support structures for people with family responsibilities, as well as issues related to lack of financial resources and family support. 


“Equal gender representation in the political sphere is important to address a democratic deficit since the underrepresentation of one sex, currently women, effectively means that women are not fully included in the democratic processes.”

Citing former UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet, the NCPE said that the participation of both women and men will lead to “more equitable laws and social programmes and budgets that benefit women and children and families”.