Only 9% of Lok Sabha phase 3 candidates are women, 18% have criminal cases: ADR report
In the upcoming third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, women represent a mere 9 per cent of the 1,352 candidates, while 18 per cent have self-reported criminal cases, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and The National Election Watch.
The report also notes that seven candidates have convictions. Scheduled for May 7, this election phase includes 244 candidates with criminal allegations, among them five charged with murder and 24 with attempted murder. Additionally, 38 are implicated in crimes against women, and 17 in hate speech incidents.
This analysis, derived criminal charges varies widely among major parties, with the BJP, Congress, and Samajwadi Party featuring prominently.
Financial disparities among candidates are also evident, with 29 per cent, or 392, being millionaires and an average asset value of Rs 5.66 crore per candidate. The top three wealthiest candidates boast assets in the hundreds of crores, with the richest declaring over Rs 1,361 crore.
Since nomination filings, the Congress candidate from Indore has withdrawn from the race.
Further, the report examines candidates’ educational and age demographics, showing that 47 per cent have education levels between 5th and 12th grade, while 44 per cent are graduates or hold higher degrees. Age-wise, 30 per cent are between 25 and 40 years old, and 53 per cent are between 41 and 60.
The analysis also points out the gender imbalance, with only 123 women candidates.
In response to these findings, the ADR has proposed stringent
The analysis also points out the gender imbalance, with only 123 women candidates