Women lack support in politics, says official

THREE female MPs from the past parliament failed to retain their seats in the recent general election because they changed their parties mid-term, an official says.
Director of the Registry of Political Parties Emanuel Pok told The National that the three had contested the 2012 general election under the banners of their parties but then switched after they were elected.
The three were Loujaya Kouza (Lae), Delilah Gore (Sohe) and Julie Soso (Eastern Highlands).
Pok said the registry had teams visiting the electorates to observe what was happening on the ground.
Pok was part of the panel reflecting on the lack of women MPs in the 2017 general election.
He said they observed that women candidates lacked participation at the national level in debates.
He also urged women need to support female candidates in terms of according their votes on the preferential system.
“This is democratic process that needs to be improved by the Electoral Commission,” Pok said.
“The Commission did well by creating separate polling booths for women.
“It is a way forward.
“Another thing is that the need for logistical support from partner agencies to build capacity for people like Central regional candidate Rufina Peter who is very knowledgeable and has relevant experience.
“They need to pick candidates with credibility and experience that people in the society can look upon and believe that they can deliver.
“We have to give the options to the people.”