The arguments for and
against voluntary party candidate quotas for women are almost identical to
those concerning legislated quotas. This is due to the fact that both quota
types often raise the same concerns by people who generally object to quotas
for women or minorities.
This section will therefore
only mention those arguments for and against voluntary party candidate quotas
for women’s representation that are different to those discussed in the file
about advantages and disadvantages of legislated quotas for women’s
representation.
Arguments against voluntary party quotas for
women’s representation
Those who oppose quotas or
voluntary party quotas in particular often raise that
- Voluntary party
quotas cannot be enforced by law and are therefore not implemented
effectively
Given that voluntary party
quotas are not mandated by law, they are not legally binding and there is no
sanction system in place. Political parties may or may not implement the party
quotas.
Arguments for
voluntary party quotas, additionally to those mentioned for legislated quotas:
Some of the main arguments
for voluntary party quotas are the following:
- Voluntary party
quotas are the most effective ways of achieving a better gender balance,
because they are voluntarily introduced
Since voluntary party
quotas stem from an internal and voluntary decision-making within the party,
one can assume that parties intend to implement them properly. Voluntary party
quotas are just as respected as legislated quotas by the political party and
therefore just as effective.
- Voluntary quotas
build on party values
Since voluntary party
quotas stem from an internal and voluntary decision-making within the party,
they are often seen as a conscious demonstration and expression of a liberal
and progressive party culture. Voluntary party quotas, as opposed to legislated
quotas, give political parties a chance to show their electorate in practice
that they are committed to gender equality – maybe as opposed to other parties.
- Voluntary party
quotas do not interfere in internal party affairs
Some argue that legislated
quotas interfere too much with the internal organisation of political parties.
Voluntary party quotas, however, are drafted and passed by the parties
themselves under no obligation and thus do not constitute interference by
outsiders.
- Voluntary party
quotas are easier to pass than legislated quotas
Legislated quotas are very
difficult to pass and require a majority (or in the case of constitutional
quotas usually a two-thirds majority) in the legislature, while party quotas
only require an internal decision by the party.
