Yeah it's a broader point that I largely agree with. But it was poorly applied.
I would argue that Quotas are an important consideration if you want to get elected. I suspect plenty of women like to see that they are represented. Remembering that the objective is different to that of an organisation. Its not about the best candidate, its about the one that increases your chances of being elected.
The "best candidate" though is the one that has the best chance of being elected, of course that doesn't mean the best candidate is the best representative, which I suspect is what you ultimately mean.
Even then though that becomes very subjective, as obviously different political positions can see a member being described in many different ways.
On quotas themselves, I think they are useful for breaking down barriers that are ingrained within an organisation, and if applied well can and do lead to better outcomes, key I guess is that you have enough engagement within your organisation to ensure you attract enough quality candidates so as you can both meet your quotas and engage the best candidate.
It's all a matter of perspective, if you see that there are barriers to certain demographics within an organisation then affirmative action is an effective means by which to lower them, if you see no barriers, then you'd think it unnecessary nonsense. The important distinction there is whether you see that as a means to equal opportunity, or a means to equality of outcome, in a merit based system the former is desirable, and the latter anathema to such an ideal.