Perelaaroi Fereti (LRO) OCLA Promoting the representation of women in Parliament Pacific Women Parliamentary Partnership 2015

Transcription

1 Perelaaroi Fereti (LRO) OCLA 2015 Promoting the representation of women in Parliament Pacific Women Parliamentary Partnership 2015

2 History of the Samoan Parliament Current Status of Women in Parliament Case Studies CONTENTS Proposal

3 Contents 1. History of Parliament 2. Current Status 3. Case Studies 4. Proposal 5. Recommendations

4 1. HISTORY & BACKGROUND Since Independence in 1961, Samoa has developed into a robust and reputable legislature Delicate balance between the founding Constitution, Western democratic values and traditional faa-samoa customs, ideology and Christian principles Westminster system democratic Parliamentary system of government Word Parliament etymology parlement and parliamentum meaning discussion. In Samoa it is referred to as PALEMENE SAMOA S PARLIAMENT FONO FAAVAE 1961

5 Nordic: 41.5% Americas: 26.3% Europe (excluding Nordic countries): 23.8% Sub-Saharan Africa: 22.2% Asia: 18.5% Middle East & North Africa: 16.1 % Pacific: 15.7% Current Statistics: Women in Parliament

6 Current Status Constitution Amendment Act Parliament passed law in 2013 introducing reserved seats for women. This was a milestone for Samoa that will be effective in the 2016 General Election. - 10% of Parliamentary seats are set on Reserved for women this means 5 seats. Parliament of Samoa Chamber (image Courtesy of Torrey Unoi)

7 Current Status continued How the system works - It is a flexible formula whereby if no woman is elected to Parliament the five woman candidates who obtain the highest overall number of votes will occupy the allocated seats in Parliament. - Other rules - Bi-election - Equal votes - Constituency Engaging with the Community

8 Current Status continued Electoral System - Samoa is a multi-member electoral system - Two Political Parties - In order to be recognised as a party there should are provided for in Section 15A of the Electoral Act and Standing Order 20. Swearing in of Members of Parliament

9 Current Status continued Eligibility as a Candidate Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa Qualifications for membership -(1)A person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of Parliament who: (a) is a citizen of Samoa; and (b) is not disqualified under the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act. (2)If a person other than a person qualified under the provisions of clause (1) is elected as a Member of Parliament, the election of that person shall be void

10 Current Status continued Eligibility as a Candidate Electoral Act 1963 Section 5 1. candidate must be registered as a voter of a territorial constituency and must hold a 2. hold a matai title 3. Live in Samoa for 3 consecutive years before elections 4. Sign a signatory declaration to be presented together with the nomination form that they are qualified under the Constitution and the Laws of Samoa to be elected to Parliament

11 Case Studies Ireland Legislated Party Quotas Section 17 of the Electoral Act 1997 was amended by the Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act It states: - that payment to Political Parties would be reduced by 50 per cent, unless at least 30 per cent of the candidates by the qualified party at the preceding general election were women and at least 30 per cent were men. - The required gender quota of candidates is to rise to at least 40% women and least 40% per cent men within 7 years from the date of the first election held in line with this new rule, and the penalty will apply during those 7 years

12 Case Studies Australia Voluntary Party Quotas Australia Labor Party Rule 10 of the ALP s National Constitution percent quota was introduced 2002 Introduced a 40 percent quota for party positions, union delegations and for pre-selection for public office and positions at a State and Federal Level OTHERS: - National Labour Women s Network (NLWN) - EMILY s List -

13 HOW? by encouraging women to stand for elections; removing barriers to women participation & facilitate their professional contribution as Members ensuring that gender continues to be mainstreamed across all activities to reach the goal of 30% of decision-making positions being occupied by women. PROPOSAL:

14 RECOMMENDATION: For Samoa Political Parties to adopt Party Quotas in order to promote the representation of Women in Parliament Political parties to co-ordinate and initiate programs that would promote women in Parliament For a working group of Members of Parliament and representatives of the two political parties meet to discuss the possibility of introducing voluntary party quotas in order to promote and train women candidates.

15 PARLIAMENT: The need for gender parity Women s participation and representation in the frontline of democracy and peace processes is crucial. For women to be able to influence decisions that affect their lives and those of their families, their political, social and economic empowerment must form part of the democratic ideal that contributes to sustainable development. In fact, since women constitute more than half the population, sustainable development cannot be achieved without them. Democracy and development thus need to be seen as mutually reinforcing goals essential to the achievement of gender equality. The Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality

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