Indicator: 7.2 Composition of parliament

The composition of a democratic parliament should reflect diverse political opinions as well as different groups in society. A parliament that is unrepresentative of its society will leave some social groups and communities feeling disadvantaged in, or even excluded from, the political process, with consequences in terms of the quality of public life or the stability of the political system and society in general.

The composition of parliament is determined by multiple factors, including the electoral system, political parties and of course the preferences of the electorate. Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. plays a role in shaping this system and ensuring that parliament reflects the social diversity of the nation. Many parliaments have also adopted special measures such as quotas to promote the representation of women, youth and other underrepresented groups.