By: Kekeli K. Blamey
The Electoral Commission (EC) has taken a significant step towards inclusive and accessible voting processes for Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.
A recent training session, focusing on electoral processes and the use of tactile jackets, aimed to empower PWDs to participate fully in the upcoming December 7 elections.
Madam Comfort Amoah, District Director of the Electoral Commission, emphasized the importance of independent voting rights for PWDs.
She noted that, in the past, PWDs have been assisted by relatives or friends, who sometimes influence their voting decisions.
To address this issue, the EC has trained ballot issuers to assist PWDs during the voting process.
Madam Amoah encouraged PWDs to also seek for support from Presiding Officers whenever needed.
The training also covered essential voting guidelines, such as not voting for more than one person on the same ballot paper, not writing on the ballot paper with ink, and not bringing unauthorized materials to the polling stations.
Madam Amoah reminded PWDs that they are exempt from queuing on election day per C. I. 91 and 127 which prioritizes their needs along with those of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the aged.
The EC Director reassured PWDs that their names are in the voter register, and they will not be denied the right to vote even if they have misplaced their ID cards, provided they give out their correct names as stated on their voter ID cards.
A student with visual impairment, Madam Sitsofe Amekor, lauded the EC for the training, saying it will enable her to vote independently using the tactile jacket.
She also pledged to promote peaceful elections among PWDs in the district.
The training session forms part of the EC’s efforts to ensure that all eligible voters, including PWDs, can exercise their right to vote independently and without any barriers.
