The Silent Backbenchers: Women in Northeast India's Electoral Politics

The turnout of women in the electoral processes in Northeast India is a paradox on its own: on the one hand, their role in local affairs is quite high; on the other hand, their participation in the market, social movements, and networks of peacebuilders among others is comparatively large; and on the other hand, among the formal political institutions, their representation is underrepresented. This paper discusses the sociocultural, structural and political causes of this underrepresentation. The study uses qualitative-dominant mixed-methods by drawing on the work underpinning the theoretical frameworks of feminist political sociology and intersectionality to examine the lived experiences of women, barriers to candidature, and differences in the states. The results indicate that the existing type of traditional clan systems, the patriarchal system of parties, the militarised political reality, economic limitations, and firmly established gender cultures all limit voting opportunities among women. Women are still restricted by institutional and cultural constraints that block their progress in politics, even in a matrilineal society like Meghalaya or one where activists are abundant, like in Manipur. A cross-state comparison of the Northeastern states, as it is evidenced by the case study, highlights that neither matriliny nor a strong women's movement ensures political representation. In summary, the research concludes that institutional measures such as performance, specifically to the gender aspect of party politics, inclusion in traditional institutions, capacity building programs, and the leverage on the level of safety are imperative in facilitating equal political participation. This study can help to gain a better insight into the phenomenon of gendered political exclusion in Northeast India by amplifying the voices of women and pinpointing policy gaps, as well as providing practical recommendations to make a transformative change.