Additional information about gender quotas

SPD introduced a quota system in 1988. The target was 25 percent by 1990, 33 percent by 1994 and 40 percent by 1998. According to the 40 percent rule, it is required that the lists should be zipped, with the option of allocating every fifth place to someone of either sex (Geissel 2008, p. 61-62).

In boards, committees and delegations, Die Linke statutes dictate that half of the members should be women. If not enough women are available, the chairs are empty until by-elections can take place (Statutes, Article 10 [4]; Geissel 2008, p. 62).