Provide list of inaccessible polling stations - EC tells PWDs

ruth 16:52 - 23 September 2016

___5525220___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5525220___2016___9___23___19___Charlotte-Osei

Abigail Nutakor said the EC has redesigned the voting booth by reducing the height to enable wheelchair users to easily cast their ballots.

Head of Gender and Disability of the Electoral Commission (EC) has urged persons living with disability to provide a list of inaccessible polling stations to the Commission for redress.

“The EC will ensure the facilitation of accreditation for PWD’s who are often part of the domestic observer's groups,” she said.

She noted that the commission will provide demonstrative ballot jackets at selected polling stations all over the country to enable visual impaired voters to exercise their franchise independently.

This according to her will ensure concealment of their ballot and guarantee their preferred choice of candidates during the elections.

Mrs. Nutakor made this known at Ghana for Peace Summit held in Accra on the theme: “The Disability Community and the Need for Peace.”

The summit which was organised by Here for Perfection (H4P), a non-governmental organisation, aims at promoting the interest of persons with disability in Ghana.

Mrs. Nutakor said: “A PWD who may not be able to appear at the polling station to cast a ballot has the opportunity to appoint a proxy to vote on his or her behalf. District Electoral Officers will facilitate the process for all PWDs.”

She also hinted that the commission will work with donors and other stakeholders in organising sensitisation programmes to enlighten PWDs on issues concerning elections.