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Women barred from local polls in Diamer
 A growing nexus of local tribesmen and religious extremists have disallowed women from filing their nomination papers for the 33 percent seats reserved for them in the local bodies (LB) elections in Diamer district of the Northern Areas, sources said on Sunday. The by-elections on the seats reserved for women are scheduled to be held today (Monday). However, official sources said that women were not allowed to file their nomination papers before the deadline as local tribesmen opposed their participation in the local bodies. The officials quoted local tribesmen as saying that "it is against our traditions and tribal norms to allow our women sit alongside male counterparts in the male-dominated councils and participate in public gatherings".Sources said in some districts including Skardu, Gilgit, Ghizer and Gangche, the seats reserved for women were already filled, but by-elections were being held for some vacant seats in union councils, municipal committees and district councils. Posted by: Fred 2005-05-23 |
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