The Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped welcomes the Election Commission’s announcement regarding the presidential election on September 21, 2024, and the measures being introduced to support voters with disabilities.
We commend the Election Commission for its commitment to providing crucial accessibility measures for the upcoming presidential election. Among these initiatives are the introduction of tactile ballot papers for visually impaired voters to cast their ballots independently, the issuance of identity cards in selected districts allowing voters with disabilities to be accompanied by a trusted individual to the polling booth, and the provision of 320 election-related sign language vocabulary terms for sign language users. These measures, once implemented, will significantly advance the democratic rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities, and contribute to a more inclusive electoral process.
It is crucial that these initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored. Therefore, we urge all stakeholders – election officials, presidential candidates, political parties, electronic and social media entities/activists, election observers/Civil Society Organisations, and the general public to prioritize the rights and needs of people with disabilities at every stage of the election process.
Specifically, we call upon:
• Election Officials to provide comprehensive training to staff on accommodating voters with disabilities.
• Presidential Candidates to ensure their campaigns are accessible, provide materials including election manifestos in accessible formats, ensure events are disability-friendly, and refrain from using disability-related slangs or derogatory terms, and refrain from promoting negative social attitudes and stereotypes.
• Electronic and Social Media Entities/Activists to ensure all election-related information and campaigns are accessible (particularly in sign language) and free from disability-related slangs or derogatory terms, and refrain from promoting negative social attitudes and stereotypes.
• Election Observers/Civil Society Organisations and the General Public to support and advocate for the full participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process.
Together, we can make this election a milestone in our journey toward a truly inclusive democracy where every citizen’s voice is heard and valued.
Founded on July 3, 1983, the Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of the visually impaired community in Sri Lanka. With branches across eight provinces and district branches in 21 districts, including specialized branches for women and youth, we serve nearly 8,000 regular members and approximately 3,500 associate members.
Supun Jayawardena
Head of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped
No.520/15, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya.
