Nicosia, Cyprus. Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou raised concerns about low female participation on candidate lists for the 2026 parliamentary elections, saying women remain significantly underrepresented. She said women make up 50% of the population but account for 29.7% of candidates on electoral ballots.
Commissioner cites persistent participation gap
In a statement issued on the occasion of the submission of candidacies, Christodoulou said the figures highlight a persistent gap in equal participation of women in political life.
Call for balanced representation in the House
Christodoulou said balanced representation in the House of Representatives is essential to ensure legislation reflects the real needs of society as a whole.
Meetings with parties and women’s organisations
She said that in recent contacts with party leaders and representatives, held together with women’s organisations within the National Machinery for Women’s Rights, the need for concrete measures to support and encourage women’s participation in politics was underlined, particularly in winnable positions on party lists.
Hope for improved outcome after elections
Despite these efforts, she said current candidate figures still fall short of society’s expectations, with women continuing to be underrepresented. She expressed hope that the final outcome of the elections would improve the situation, leading to increased female representation in the new parliament and a legislature that more accurately reflects the composition and needs of society.
Equality described as shared responsibility
“Equality between women and men is not a choice – it is a social imperative,” Christodoulou said, adding that achieving it is a shared responsibility.
What measures do you think would most effectively increase women’s participation in winnable positions on party lists?