Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation (ZAFOD) has launched its report on thematic Election Observation of Accessibility for the 2021 general elections.
The report is detailing its observation findings and calling on the electoral commission of Zambia, government and other electoral stakeholders to take stronger action to improve the Accessibility of electoral process for persons with disabilities and ensure meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in all political and electoral processes.
ZAFOD vice president Paul Mbewe disclosed that inadequate sensitisation of polling station officials around braille jackets and other accessibility measures and uneven distribution of materials where recorded.
Mr. Mbewe has noted with concern that many voters with disabilities continue to face barriers to exercising their right to vote and to equal political participation.
“Although ZAFOD applauds the positive steps the ECZ had taken to enhance the participation of persons with disabilities in the August 12 general elections, such polling stations, ZAFOD’s election day observation found that many polling stations unfortunately remain inaccessible to Zambians with disabilities, undermining the right to equal participation and in contravention of the government of Zambia’s legal obligations under domestic and international law, ZAFOD also noted inadequate sensitisation of polling station officials around braille jackets and other accessibility measures, and uneven distribution of such materials,” Mr. Mbewe said.
Mr. Mbewe said despite continued barriers to participation, ZAFOD welcomes the fact that at least 12 candidates on the ballot on August 12, including five at the parliamentary level, were persons with disabilities.
He has also noted with concern the threatening abusive or insulting language towards candidates with disabilities among political players.
He has also called on political parties to take a more active approach in raising awareness and discussing inclusion policies as outlined in their manifesto among party members and internal structures to be better able to apply disability inclusion lenses in their engagements with the electorate.
