Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support he is giving to the new Iraqi Government to ensure the 25 per cent. quota of women is realised in future elections.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support he is giving to the new Iraqi Government to ensure the 25 per cent. quota of women is realised in future elections. [181942] Mr. Rammell: We have worked with the UN Electoral Assistance Mission to Iraq to encourage the Iraqi Interim Government to take concrete measures aimed at realising the 25 per cent. goal. As a result, the electoral law (CPA Order 96) provides that political parties should submit party lists including at least one woman candidate for every three candidates. We have also encouraged women candidates for political office at both local and national levels to come forward, including through support for women's conferences, such as that held in Cairo in June this year.

Secondary information