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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Women's parliamentary representation: the effect of list PR
Author:Ballington, JulieISNI
Year:1998
Periodical:Politikon: South African Journal of Political Studies
Volume:25
Issue:2
Pages:77-93
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:parliamentary representation
women parliamentarians
women
politics
Politics and Government
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02589349808705065
Abstract:Proportional representation of women on party lists correlates strongly with greater women's representation. The high representation of women in South Africa's national parliament in 1994 was largely attributable to the ANC's adoption of a quota system guaranteeing that at least 30 percent of its lists were comprised of women. This article starts by considering the merits of the list proportional representation system as a mechanism through which women's legislative representation can be increased. The article then provides an overview of the representation system within the South African context. An examination of the compilation of party lists by seven parties in the 1994 election reveals that the compilation of party lists and the placement of candidates on these lists have a significant impact on the composition of parliament. Party lists appear to be the best instrument for balancing gender representation. In particular, the closed list proportional representation system, as used by South Africa in the 1994 elections (under which voters can only select the party, not the candidate), affords institutional advantages in ensuring a representative parliament through a balanced party ticket. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.
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