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.