Why Does Gender Disparity Persist in Indian Elections?


The fourth phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in the political arena. According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch, only 170 of 1,717 candidates (10%) contesting in Phase-4 are women. This trend mirrors the earlier phases, where women accounted for just 8-9% of candidates, emphasizing the gender disparity in political participation.

Candidate Demographics

1.       Criminal Backgrounds

21% of candidates have declared criminal cases.

16% are facing serious criminal charges.

2.       Educational Qualifications

38% (644 candidates) have an educational qualification between the 5th and 12th standards.

55% (944 candidates) possess a graduate degree or higher.

26 candidates are illiterate, while 30 declared themselves as merely literate.

3.       Age Groups

38% (642 candidates) fall between the ages of 25-40.

49% (842 candidates) belong to the 41-60 age group.

13% (226 candidates) are aged between 61-80.

State-wise Candidate Distribution

Phase-4 elections cover 96 constituencies across 10 states and Union territories.

State/Region

Number of Candidates

Seats Contested

Telangana

525

17

Andhra Pradesh

454

25

Maharashtra

298

11

Jammu & Kashmir

24

1

Telangana leads with 525 candidates, while Andhra Pradesh follows with 454 contenders across 25 constituencies. At the other end of the spectrum, Jammu & Kashmir has 24 candidates vying for a single seat.

Implications and Concerns

The low representation of women—despite discussions around gender equality—raises questions about inclusivity in Indian politics. Furthermore, the significant proportion of candidates with criminal cases and varied educational backgrounds highlights a need for reforms to ensure quality and accountability in governance.

Conclusion

Phase-4 of the Lok Sabha elections reflects broader systemic challenges in political representation, from gender disparity to the prevalence of criminal records among candidates. While states like Telangana demonstrate significant participation, the gender gap and lack of transparency in candidate profiles remain critical issues to address.

References

1.       Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Report, 2023.

2.       National Election Watch Analysis, Phase-4 Lok Sabha Elections

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