Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou has expressed concern over the low level of female participation in candidate lists for the upcoming 2026 parliamentary elections, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the submission of candidacies, the commissioner said that while women make up 50 per cent of the population, their representation on electoral ballots stands at just 29.7 per cent.

The figure, she said, once again highlights the persistent gap in equal participation of women in political life.

The commissioner stressed that balanced representation in the House of Representatives is essential to ensure legislation reflects the real needs of society as a whole.

She added that, in recent contacts with party leaders and representatives, held together with women’s organisations within the National Machinery for Women’s Rights, the need for concrete measures to support and encourage women’s participation in politics was underlined, particularly in winnable positions on party lists.

Despite these efforts, she said, current candidate figures still fall short of society’s expectations, with women continuing to be underrepresented.

The commissioner expressed hope that the final outcome of the elections would improve the situation, leading to increased female representation in the new parliament and a legislature that more accurately reflects the composition and needs of society.

“Equality between women and men is not a choice – it is a social imperative,” she said, adding that achieving it is a shared responsibility.