Then why is there a separate system for the National Parliament? Or are women at the local level more independent, self-reliant and mature, while at the national level they are inexperienced and powerless?
In our country, I have seen many so-called women leaders as well as women who have made valuable contributions in various fields eagerly becoming Members of Parliament through reserved seats.
It remains questionable how many of all the women who have entered Parliament so far, through reserved seats due to the patronage of male-dominated political parties, have made a meaningful contribution.
I have seen many members who cannot speak properly even while reading the script. Still, we support them through salaries and allowances. One may ask: Is the quality of members elected through general seats really higher than through reserved seats?
in 13th The 50 seats reserved for women in the National Parliament will soon be distributed. The Election Commission has already announced the programme.
According to media reports, a big party is selling nomination forms. Many candidates are rushing to get nomination. The number of candidates exceeded one thousand on the very first day. Many of them told journalists that they had participated in many movements and struggles and hence deserved a seat. They complain that other people are trying to parachute in. From his lamentations it seems as if an MP ticket guarantees lifelong happiness.
Yet amid all this brouhaha, the main issue no one is raising is this: Those who are nominated for reserved women’s seats in favor of party leaders – bypassing direct elections and avoiding accountability to citizens – will remain “powerless” in the political arena.
● Mohiuddin Ahmed, writer and researcher
The views expressed here are the author’s own.
*This work was published in Bengali in Prothom Alo print and online and has been rewritten by Farzana Liaquat for Prothom Alo English Online.