Women, Political Parties and Electoral Systems in Latin America

Abstract

This case study analyses how political parties and electoral systems shape women’s opportunities to gain access to power in Latin America. In the past 15 years, many of the region’s parties have made significant efforts to promote women. Eleven countries in the region adopted quota laws for women’s candidacies and a 12th, Colombia, has introduced them for senior positions in the executive branch. The influence of quotas is conditioned by electoral rules: the measure works best in countries with closed-list proportional representation (PR) electoral systems, placement mandates, and large electoral districts. Yet the weakness of the political parties and party systems in many countries, particularly in the Andean region, poses a threat to democratic consolidation and the livelihoods of women and other citizens. As in the rest of the world, women have historically been seriously under-represented in elected office in Latin America. Their presence in political decision making has never equalled men’s. Recognizing that this situation undermines democracy, political equality and justice, more and more people—including male politicians and opinion leaders—have endorsed measures to increase women’s presence in power. Since 1��1, 11 Latin American countries have adopted quota laws establishing minimum levels for women’s participation as candidates in national elections. Although the results vary depending on the electoral rules and the enforcement of the rules, the trend towards quotas marks a watershed in public attitudes towards women in power and in official commitments to gender equality. As a result of quotas, social and economic development, democratization and cultural changes, women’s presence in power in Latin America has grown. From an �

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