General Right to Vote
Constitution:
(1992)
Article 120 states: "Every Paraguayan citizen, 18 years old and
residing in the national territory is eligible to vote. Citizens can not only
elect, but can also be elected without restrictions, other than those established
in this Constitution and the law."
Specific Inclusion of
People with Disabilities
Constitution:
(1992)
Article 58 states: "The State will formulate a policy for the prevention,
treatment, rehabilitation, and integration into society of physically disabled
and psychologically or sensorially impaired individuals, who will be entitled
to receive the specialized care they need. These people are entitled to equal
opportunities to enjoy the rights guaranteed by this Constitution to every inhabitant
of the Republic, seeking to offset their disadvantages."
Exclusion Based on Mental
Disability
Electoral Law:
(Law No. 01/90)
Article 81 states: "Disqualifying factors to holding elective positions
are
(g) incapacity declared in court, which prevents persons from acting
freely and with discernment."
Article 88 states: "The following are requirements to become a member
of the Central Electoral Council
(c) to be intellectually capable
"
Exclusion Based on Physical
Disability
Electoral Law:
(Law No. 01/90)
Article 75 states: "The following persons may not be electors: (a)
persons who are under legal interdiction; (b) deaf-mutes who cannot make themselves
understood in writing or by any other means."
Voter Assistance by Other
Citizens
Electoral Law:
(Law No. 01/90)
Article 220 states: "Persons who are unable, due to physical defect,
to mark their ballots and insert them in the ballot box, may avail themselves,
for these operations, of a person in whom they trust."
Promotes Access
Electoral Law:
(Law No. 01/90)
Article 210 states: "Electors shall vote in order of arrival, but
the returning officer shall give priority to
persons suffering from illness
and
disabled persons."
Poll Worker Manuals:
Poll Worker Guidebook: Approved by he Central Election Commission
During the voting process, preference in line given only to "candidates,
election authorities, the sick, pregnant women, and people with disabilities"
p 6
Compulsory Vote Excusal
Electoral Law:
(Law No. 01/90)
Article 78 states: "Exempt from the duty of suffrage are
(d)
persons who are unable to attend their polling station due to illness, where
that circumstance is provided by certificate issued by the authorities of the
hospital at which they are treated
"