Tripoli, 27 June
The major part that women are playing in the electoral process has been praised by the UN’s top man . . .[restrict]in Libya.
Ian Martin, Head of the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL), said: “I congratulate you for the contributions you have made to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment to date. I commend your practical efforts to support women to register to vote, to educate women and men as to voting, and the support you are providing to women candidates.”
![ian-martin](http://www.libyaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ian-martin-300x257.jpg)
Martin was speaking at the ‘My Voice for Her’ conference organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The conference, part of a national campaign to support women candidates, attracted more than 350 female electoral candidates among over 500 guests.
In total, there are 625 women standing in the 7 July elections, 540 of whom represent political parties and 85 who are standing as independent candidates. The electoral commission state that 80% of eligible voters have registered, totalling 2.7 million people. Of these, 45% are female.
Martin continued: “The new Libya provides a new opportunity for Libyan women to articulate your political, economic and social aspirations,” adding, “If women have equal opportunities to fulfil their political and socio-economic role, this contributes to development, democracy, nation-building and peace for all Libyans.” [/restrict]