A five-member UN Women delegation yesterday sought an explanation from the Election Commission over the low representation of women in the 13th parliament.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the delegation at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the UN Women team shared its observations on the election and discussed ways to increase women’s participation.

“We informed them that seven women candidates won in the election, though more had contested. Ultimately, candidates must secure votes to win,” Akhtar said.

He said the EC told the delegation that of the 350 lawmakers, seven women were elected to general seats, and 50 others to reserved seats, taking the total number of female MPs to 57.

“We hope this number will rise further in local government elections,” he said.

“The gap between male and female voters was nearly three million. It has now been reduced to 1.8 million, and efforts are underway to narrow it further,” Akhtar said.

He said the delegation was also informed that the recent election saw no violence or ballot snatching.

“They [UN Women] are working with us on gender issues and assured us that this collaboration will continue.”

The delegation was led by Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. Christine Arab, Gitanjali Singh, Navnita Sinha and Tapati Saha were also present.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and EC member Tahmida Ahmad also attended the meeting.