Global Initiative to Enfranchise People with Disabilities: Colombia - www.electionaccess.org Text Only Version
Back to the Americas  
  Best Practices: IFES and other groups have implemented innovative practices around the world.
Laws and Regulations:  A country-by-country analysis of election laws, constitutions and regulations, and how these affect citizens with disabilities.     Publications  
   
   

Colombia

General Right to Vote
Constitution:
(1991)
• Article 258 states: "…A vote is a right and a civil obligation…"
• No mention of limits on participation or special provisions for disabled in Constitution
Electoral Law:
(21 November 1985)
• Article 10, section 40 states: "Every citizen can elect and be elected while there are no norms that limit his/her right. Therefore, interpretation of the terms disability and incompetence is very strict."

Voter Assistance by Other Citizens
Electoral Law:
(Electoral Code, 1998
• Article 114 states: "… No person may accompany the elector at the moment of voting."
(Law 163 of 31 August 1994)
• Article 16 states: "Citizens who are physically disabled can exercise a voting right of 'escorts' to the voting booths. The same applies to the citizens of 80 years old or older or someone who is visually impaired. While voters are in line, electoral authorities and the police will assist and give preference to the disabled."
Poll Worker Manuals:
Poll Worker Instruction Manual for Presidential Elections (1998)
• "Citizens that suffer limitations and physical ailments", citizens over the age of 80, and citizens with advanced vision problems may be assisted p 7
• Poll workers may not mark a ballot for someone with a "physical limitation" p 8


 
  Laws and Regulations:  A country-by-country analysis of election laws, constitutions and regulations, and how these affect citizens with disabilities.
  Rights and Standards:  IFES and other groups have drafted global standards on the electoral rights of citizens with disabilities.
  Best Practices: IFES and other groups have implemented innovative practices around the world.
  Publications
 
  Contacts and Links