EXPLORING CHALLENGES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN SELECTED AREAS OF LUSAKA DISTRICT

This Study investigated the challenges of persons with disabilities in the electoral process in
selected areas of Lusaka District. Specifically, the study investigated accessibility of polling
stations, electoral materials and adequacy of laws and policies that promote participation of
persons with disabilities in the electoral process as well as the impact of electoral conflicts. The
study has demonstrated that Zambia, like many countries in the world; persons with disabilities
are faced with several challenges occurring at individual or micro level as well as those
determined by the socio-economic and environmental or macro level in participating in the
electoraHowever, the most prominent of them all is inaccessible infrastructure such as polling stations.
Others which directly contribute to inaccessible infrastructure include inadequate tactile
materials for the visually impaired and other assistive devices as well as long distances to polling
stations. This study has also shown that electoral conflicts is also one of the challenges that
persons with disabilities face in their quest to participate in the electoral process at various levels
as well as negative perceptions that people without disabilities have towards those with
disabilities.
With regard to policies, the study has demonstrated that although laws and policies that are
aimed at promoting and mainstreaming disability issues in all sectors of development and
particularly the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process are in place, they
are not adequately implemented to address the many aspects and challenges faced by persons
with disabilities. In view of these findings, the study recommends for the implementation of the
provisions of the laws and policies and in particular the adequate implementation of laws and
policies on election and processes.
The study further recommends that facilities and processes put in place must not in any way
restrict the right to vote for any citizen. Voting procedures, facilities and materials should be
appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use for all. There is also need to provide voter
education and information in accessible formats (for example, large print, electronic format for
voters that use screen-reading technology, written material, and easy-to-understand language for
persons with intellectual disabilities). The study also strongly recommends providing closed
captions and sign language interpreters on televised voter information announcements.