Disability community appeals for user-friendly polling stations
Evidence Chipadza
In a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the democratic process, members of the disability community have launched a strong appeal for the establishment of user-friendly polling stations during elections.
Advocacy groups representing individuals with disabilities have long highlighted the barriers faced by voters in exercising their right to cast a ballot. Historically, polling stations in Zimbabwe have often lacked the necessary provisions to accommodate people with various disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. However, activists are determined to bring about change.
Central to the appeal is the call for polling stations to be fully accessible to everyone. This includes providing ramps, elevators, and entryways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as removing any physical obstacles or barriers within the premises. Additionally, the requirement for clear signage and labeling is emphasized to aid those with visual impairments in navigating the voting process independently.
Joyce Togarepi of the National Council of Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) who cast her vote at Takunda B Primary School, Mkoba in Gweru stated that she struggled to get to the polling station.
“Yesterday I was very happy to exercise my right as a Zimbabwean, but at the same time not pleased because the station was not easily accessible. This goes on to show that they ignored the disabled people’s plight because the classroom floor was not suitable at all. It was a struggle for me to get inside to cast my vote,” she said.
Audrey Rusike from the Quadriplegics and Paraplegics Association of Zimbabwe (QPAZ) highlighted that despite the challenges she faced with her wheelchair to reach the polling station she was assisted by the polling officers.
“The polling officers assisted me with my wheelchair and asked other voters to wait outside so that I could have my privacy since my wheelchair could not fit in the booth,” she said.
To facilitate an easier and more inclusive voting experience, representatives from the disability community are advocating for the availability of assistive technologies. These could include tactile voting devices, braille instructions, and auditory voting systems to cater to individuals with visual or hearing impairments. Furthermore, they are pushing for well-trained staff to be on hand to provide guidance and support to voters with additional needs.
Recognizing the importance of clear communication, the appeal highlights the necessity of providing accessible information in various formats. This could involve publishing voter guides in braille, large print, and plain-language versions, and utilizing sign language interpreters at polling stations to assist those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The drive for user-friendly polling stations has gained support from across the political spectrum, with politicians acknowledging the significance of ensuring equal voting opportunities for all citizens. Several countries have already taken steps to implement these inclusive measures, serving as models for others to follow.
Ultimately, the goal of this appeal is to guarantee that individuals with disabilities are provided with an equal opportunity to exercise their democratic right, free from unnecessary obstacles or discrimination. By fostering user-friendly polling stations, the disability community and its allies are seeking to create a more inclusive electoral process that upholds the principles of equality and accessibility.
As the appeal gains momentum, it is hoped that governments, policymakers, and electoral bodies will prioritize the needs of voters with disabilities, ensuring that future polling stations are truly inclusive spaces that embrace the diversity of their constituencies.