Breaking barriers: Zimbabwe’s call for disability-...

Breaking barriers: Zimbabwe’s call for disability-inclusive elections

Michael Mashiri

Disability Reform Coalition has said feedback from member organisations after a review process conducted on elections shows lack of political will to implement recommendations from lessons learnt in 2018 to make electoral processes disability inclusive.

In a press statement, DRC highlighted it was imperative for people with disabilities to express their voting right.

“The Disability Reform Coalition is persuaded that access to inclusive voting processes by persons with disabilities in Zimbabwean elections is a human rights issue and should be prioritized by all stakeholders in the electoral process especially the administration body, ZEC and political parties,” they said.

Section 67 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states that every citizen has the right to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law and to make political choices freely.

“Section 3.2 (7) of the National Disability Policy states that ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy and exercise their right to vote or to be elected, eliminating all provisions and practices which restrict or deny their right to vote or to be elected,” they added.

DRC, highlighted that the 2023 elections were marred with problems.

“A review process conducted on the 26 September 2023, shows a lack of political will to implement recommendations from lessons learnt in 2018 to make electoral processes disability inclusive. Some of the recommendations that were raised in 2018 include ensuring availability sign language interpreters, accessible polling stations and disability disaggregated data,” they said.

They expressed concern over the lack of tactile ballot papers for persons who are visually impaired, adding that there were no Sign No Language interpreters at polling stations to assist voters who are Deaf.

“Infrastructure not accessible to wheelchairs and crutches in some polling stations.

“Font on presidential ballot was too small and not accommodating to persons with albinism and low vision.

“There was lack of privacy for assisted voters with disabilities.

“There was no clear signage for the special queue for persons with disabilities, older persons and pregnant women," they added.

They also noted other challenges which were unique all voters that had a major impact on voters with disability.

DRC urged the government to ensure smooth sailing of voting on part of people with disabilities.

They said it was important to have a postal vote facility for people with mobility issues.

“Ensure that all polling stations are accessible to persons with physical disabilities according to section 51 of the Electoral Act (1a) which states that” every polling station shall be located in a place that is readily accessible to the public, including persons with physical disabilities.

“ZEC should capture information disaggregated by disability to ensure that necessary accommodations are made for voters with various impairments.

“Disability Disaggregated data would help ZEC prepare for persons with various disabilities hence Sign Language interpreters would be deployed where they are needed on election,” they added.

Disability Reform Coalition is made up of a conjunction of disabled persons organisation in Zimbabwe that came together under the banner of Disability Reform Coalition which is there to promote and advocate for people participation of persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe.