Arunachal Pradesh struggles with low representation of women in polls

Despite constitutional amendments, Arunachal Pradesh struggles with low female participation in electoral politics, requiring urgent action for change.

Even after the passage of the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill aimed at bolstering women's participation in electoral politics, the ground reality speaks of a different narrative in Arunachal Pradesh. Only a few women are contesting in the simultaneous polls to two Lok Sabha seats and 50 Assembly constituencies to be held in this northeastern state on April 19.

Toko Sheetal, a greenhorn representing the Gana Suraksha Party, is the only woman among the 14 contestants for the two Lok Sabha seats – Arunachal East and Arunachal West.

Only eight women filed nominations for 50 assembly seats. The ruling BJP has fielded four, the Opposition Congress nominated three, while there is one independent candidate.

Only one woman represented the state in the Rajya Sabha till date, 15 women were elected to the assembly since Arunachal Pradesh graduated to a full-fledged state in 1987 from North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Of the eight, BJP nominee from Hayuliang constituency, Dasanglu Pul, won uncontested.

According to women activists and political analysts, several factors such as cultural barriers, socio-economic constraints and lack of awareness could contribute to the low participation of female participants in electoral politics.

Kenjum Pakam, Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), said, "Women should be given a chance to have the right to vote and be voted for. This will allow them to occupy political offices and contribute to the development of the nation."

Expressing dismay at the low participation of women in electoral politics she said addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from both the government and civil society organisations to create an enabling environment that promotes women's involvement in the political process. "Investing in women leadership is investing in a stronger, more vibrant nation," the APSCW chief asserted.