March 17, 2019
Elections in Arunachal Pradesh will be held on 11 April for 60 seats. There
are around 3,000 people with disabilities who are likely to cast their vote
but these do not reflect the actual numbers as many disabled people who are
eligible to vote have not registered themselves.
Komini Meto, of the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose
Society, an organization that works for disabled people, says that
facilities to ensure accessible voting for all are way off the mark.
Facilities are needed for voters who are blind like an assistant to
accompany them, who has been certified by the local poll officer. The
Election Commission of India was planning to introduce braille facilities
for blind voters. We still don’t know if that is being followed. –
Komini Meto, Secretary, Abralow Memorial Multipurpose
Society
The election office in the state has announced that special vehicles for
people with disabilities will be provided so that can get to the voting
booths. This is important given that a large part of the state has a hilly
terrain making access an even bigger issue.
Techi Anna of the NGO, Ajen Anna Society
says voters in the state have already struggled for proper facilities. “In
most elections, family members help the disabled voters to reach the polling
booths. At times, political parties also help their supporters by arranging
for their transport. If there are efforts being made this time, there needs
to be greater awareness created”.
Added to the hilly terrain, is the annual monsoon rains that will hit
Arunachal Pradesh in April. Promises have been made to provide helicopters
for areas worst affected so election-related materials and personnel can
reach remote areas. With less than a month to go, there is pressure on the
ECI to ensure the various promises made under the Accessible Elections
campaign are met with. Arunachal Pradesh will be the acid test.
ALSO READ:Election Commission’s voter helpline 1950 proves to be a letdown
for disabled community in Chennai
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21652
