Commission proposes 7% female candidacy in general seats

The National Consensus Commission has proposed that political parties nominate women candidates in at least 7 percent of the constituencies they contest in future general elections, while retaining the existing 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament.

The revised proposal was presented Wednesday during the 22nd day of political dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, as part of the commission’s ongoing effort to reform electoral participation and promote gender inclusion.

Under the new recommendation, if a party contests 100 seats, at least seven candidates must be women. For all 300 constituencies, that number rises to 21. The commission envisions a gradual increase in women’s direct representation, aiming to reach 100 directly elected women MPs in Parliament.

Beginning with the 14th national election, parties would be required to nominate women in 15 percent of constituencies. This percentage would increase by 5 percent in each subsequent general election. To implement this transition, the commission has proposed amending Article 65(3) of the Constitution.

The current 50 reserved seats for women, extended until 2043 through the 17th constitutional amendment in 2018, will remain during the transition period.

Earlier proposals suggested nominating women in one-third of constituencies for parties fielding candidates in over 25 seats. However, most parties opposed that idea. In response, BNP proposed a phased approach—5 percent female candidacy in the next election, increasing to 10 percent in the following one.

The idea of 100 directly elected women MPs through a rotational system drew mixed reactions. The National Consensus Platform (NCP), CPB, BASAD, and JSD expressed support, while BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolon rejected it. Some Islamist parties instead favored proportional allocation based on vote share.

The commission stated that all political parties signing the upcoming National Charter 2025 must adhere to the 7 percent female candidacy rule starting from the next election.