Maltese gov't proposes to introduce mechanism to boost female representation in parliament

VALLETTA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government has put forward proposals to introduce a Mechanism in the country's electoral law with the aim of boosting female representation in Parliament.

Addressing a press conference about the proposed reforms on Tuesday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said,"We are proposing changes because we believe in an equally represented society, and one which is fair and which embraces inclusion in the clearest possible manner."

Under the proposed reform, up to 12 Maltese women will be elected to Parliament under a "gender corrective Mechanism" which kicks in if either of the two sexes is represented by fewer than 40 percent of the elected House.

The additional 12 candidates that will become MPs will be selected on the basis of their performance in the general election.

Other reforms aimed at making Parliament more gender equal are also proposed, including the publication of a policy on gender issues and harassment. A process will be started through which Parliament will also be able to implement more family friendly measures such as a childcare service and a change in the time Parliament meets.

The government also proposed a system by which political parties will receive state funding in return for recruiting and training female candidates.

The public consultation on the reforms was officially launched on Tuesday and will close in one month. Enditem