Political Parties, Elections, and Gender Representation: A Comparative Study of Women's Performance in the 2019 Elections in India and Nigeria
Abstract:
This study examines women's performance in the 2019
elections in India and Nigeria, within the context of political parties’
values, election dynamics, and gender representation in the two world's
male-dominated democracies. Using mixed-methods with SPSS version 2.0 to
analyse data from 100 participants, this study analyses the institutional,
political, economic, and socio-cultural factors that influence or hinder
women's electoral success, despite shared colonial histories and
Westminster-style political systems. The results, however, highlight the
similarities and differences in representation between the two countries. Both
had similar shares of female candidates, 8.9% in India and 8.0% in Nigeria.
However, success rates varied: female MP candidates comprised 14.4% of India's
House of Representatives but only 3.1% in Nigeria. Voter turnout was similar,
with 67.2% of women and 67.0% of men participating in India. Nigeria had lower
overall participation, at 36% of the total voters. Also, Indian and Nigerian party
inclusion strategies differ; Nigeria relies on patronage and is restricted by
religious influence, gender violence, and high nomination fees. India's
constitution supports women’s participation amidst male dominance, unlike
Nigeria, where the uncertainty about women in politics is higher than in India.
Nonetheless, the UN, African Union, ECOWAS, and IDEA found that party elites'
control over candidate selection, violence, vote-buying, and logistical issues
compromised electoral credibility and inclusivity. Participants recommend
legislative or party quotas, along with funding, as essential to improving
women's political representation and promoting gender equality.
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