More women to contest regional head posts in South Sulawesi

A flourishing democracy has given women an equal chance in South Sulawesi to contest regional head posts.

The simultaneous elections in 10 regencies across South Sulawesi on June 23 will see two women gunning for top executive posts in Selayar and Pangkep regencies, and four others contesting the elections as running mates in Tana Toraja, North Luwu and Bulukumba regencies.

South Sulawesi election commission chief Jayadi Nas said the number of women candidates was considered small, given the fact that a total of 55 tickets will vie for the regional head posts. “But we need to appreciate the women aspirants. We have never seen so many women bidding for regent or deputy regent posts before,” Jayadi said.

He added that women would play a pivotal role in the elections due to the fact that female voters outnumbered men voters.

Political expert Muhammad Al Hamid of Hasanuddin University said the upcoming elections should serve as momentum for women to prove their capability to win people’s confidence.

“Change should start from women themselves. They have to actively promote gender equality in politics and convince women voters they deserve the posts,” Al Hamid said.