Women aspirants who filed to contest in the upcoming district level election in the Ashanti Region by the close of nomination, constitutes less than six percent of the total number of candidates.

Out of the total of 4,197 candidates who filed to contest in the region, only 235 are women, representing six per cent with 901 out of 8,821, representing 10 per cent of the candidates who successfully filed their nominations are women, a situation described as worrying.

Benjamin Bano-Bioh, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), said the low women participation situation was a bit better in the unit committee contest, where 10 percent of the candidates were women.

He expressed the sentiment when he was addressing representatives of women groups and persons with disability (PWDs) at a forum on the impending district level elections and referendum scheduled for December 17, this year, the forum formed part of series of engagements between the EC and identifiable groups ahead of the elections and referendum.

The objective is to update the citizenry on the electoral processes, the local governance system and also solicit for their concerns to ensure a smooth, peaceful and successful organisation of the December elections and referendum.

Mr. Bano-Bioh noted that it was important that women rise up and play active part in all democratic processes to scale up their participation in democratic governance and rule of law, the EC recognised the important role of women in national cohesion, growth, development, involvement in the electoral processes was critical to a successful and peaceful election and referendum.

“Women can play equally important roles in the electoral processes as observers and election officials, I challenge them to take up such roles, going forward, the commission respect the rights of every voter especially those in the minority and we pledge the commitment, dedication and determination of the commission to ensure their concerns are addressed,” he assured.