Creating Equality In The Electoral Process
By Senarath Attanayake –July 29, 2015
Senarath Attanayake
Creating Equality In The Electoral Process – Steps Taken By The Election Commissioner In Sri Lanka
“Elections provide a unique opportunity to increase participation and change public perceptions about the abilities of persons with disabilities. As a result, persons with disabilities can have a stronger political voice and be increasingly recognized as equal citizens. This sets the stage for ongoing participation in their communities and social and economic integration.” – International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
The Department of Elections declare their vision to be the protection of democracy of the country through conducting free and fair elections and referenda. A free and fair election is primarily one that provides opportunities for every eligible citizen to exercise his or her vote on an equal basis with others. Every single voter has the right to exercise the vote that is his or her democratic entitlement.
Persons with Disabilities are often deprived of this right, not due to their disability, but due to the barriers they face in the electoral process. Lack of access to polling stations, non-inclusive electoral registration systems, unavailability of data and lack of knowledge on the importance of being a part of the electoral process are some of the barriers faced by persons living with disabilities. Not only that, candidates have been unable to recognise the votes of persons with disabilities and often neglect their concerns in their election campaigns.
In this background, the recent steps taken by the Commissioner of Elections is one giant leap forward in ensuring the electoral rights of persons with disabilities. What is most important is that the current Commissioner has been able to divert successfully from the popular ‘charitable’ approach towards disability practised by many citizens as well as public officials in the country. The initiatives taken by the commissioner are admirable in that he strives to ensure that every eligible citizen receives the same opportunity to take part in the elections on an equal basis.
