The current handbook is intended to provide a quick reference guide to assist headquarters- and field-based actors from the United Nations, Governments and civil society working to promote greater participation of women in electoral processes in post-conflict countries. Political participation derives from the freedom to speak out, assemble and associate; the ability to take part in the conduct of public affairs; and the opportunity to register as a candidate, to campaign, to be elected and to hold office at all levels of government. In post-conflict countries there are frequently extra barriers to women’s participation and special care is required to ensure their rights are respected in this regard. Member states of the UN have recognized tht enhancing women’s participation in elections in post-conflict countries is essential to building peace and democracy (United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) of 31October 2000). With links to 'Resources on women’s participation in electoral processes in post-conflict countries, and discussion of the role of parties, civil society and media in promoting their participation.
