Disabled say should be helped to exercise franchise
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Copyright ©2001 Ghana Review International

Accra (Greater Accra) 15 January 2001

The Ghana Federation of Disabled Associations (FODA) and Action on Disability in Development (ADD) on Friday asked the Electoral Commission to make available tactile ballot papers in all future elections to enable the visually impaired to exercise their vote in secret.

The groups also urged the National Commission for Civic Education and civil society organisations involved in work on the disabled to develop programmes to educate them on their civic rights and responsibilities to promote the full involvement of the disabled in the political life of the country.

These recommendations are contained in a statement issued by the groups on the conduct of the December 7 elections and the presidential run-off held on December 28.

The FODA/ADD sent observers to some polling stations in Accra and the three northern regions to demonstrate and create awareness of the role the disabled can play in national development.

The group said while many of the polling stations were accessible to persons with disabilities, others were situated in areas far from the homes of some disabled persons, making it difficult for them to vote.

It expressed disappointment with the low number of disabled who voted on election day but praised the free, fair and transparent manner the vote was held.

GRi…/

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