This article discusses the varying effects of quota systems, as they emerge from a scenario of women's increased inroads into politics in Latin America, expressed in the increased number of women in elected offices, the implementation of quota systems and increased presence of the issue of gender equality in political agendas. The character of the electoral system, as based on "open" or "closed" lists; the absence or presence of a norm of a compulsory competitive position for women within political parties and political parties' commitment to quota policies are the crucial factors that determine variation.
leadership; quotas; electoral system; lists; women
