Election
Process
Members of
the CEDAW Committee are elected pursuant to article 17 of the
CEDAW Convention by States parties from among nationals of that
country. However, it is important to note that these members serve
in their personal capacity and not as representatives of that
States party.
Members are elected
for a term of four years. The next CEDAW Committee elections will
take place in 2008.
At least three
months before the date of each election, the Secretary-General
of the United Nations shall address a letter to the States parties
inviting them to submit their nominations within two months. When
electing new members, consideration is given to equitable geographical
distribution and to ensure representation of different forms of
civilisation and legal systems.
Persons nominated
by States parties are elected by secret ballot with each State
party having one vote. Persons who obtain the largest number of
votes and an absolute majority of the votes of the representatives
of the States parties present and voting, shall be elected to
CEDAW. Subject to the number of vacancies that have come up for
each region, members are then elected accordingly.
In case of
unexpected vacancies, the States party whose expert has ceased
to function as a member shall appoint another expert from among
its nationals, subject to the approval of the CEDAW Committee.
For results of the last CEDAW Committee elections, click here. The terms of those elected will run from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010 .
