"A Peruvian Observer Speaks"
by Maria Nelly Novoa Bellota

To be able to participate as an observer in the electoral process of a country is an interesting experience. As a person with a disability, it represents a greater challenge. Most people think that people with disabilities cannot play an important role in the electoral process.

The will to want to overcome this stereotype strengthened my commitment to participate in the election process.
On Election Day, I began work early in the morning. After receiving the election observation forms, I headed to the pre-selected polling sites where I identified myself as a member of Transparencia, a Peruvian NGO. Interestingly, I received both gestures of support and perceived doubts. Some poll workers arrived at their posts, looking annoyed at their assigned responsibilities. However, when they noticed me, some commented: "If you are here despite being in a wheelchair, what am I complaining about?" It is the first time in Peru's election history that we had the opportunity to participate as observers.

Ms. Maria Nelly Novoa Bellota of Lima, Peru, was one of 307 citizens with disabilities trained to serve as an election observer on April 8 and June 3, 2001, when Peruvians went to the polls to choose a new President and Parliament.