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Blind-friendly ballot papers readied for elections in West Sulawesi
Blind and visually impaired people will be able to cast their ballots in the West Sulawesi gubernatorial election on Feb.15 as the General Elections Commission (KPU) has prepared ballot templates to be used at every polling station across the province.
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All set -- General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioners, Arief Budiman (right) and Hadar Nafis Gumay (left) show examples of ballot templates for blind voters in a press conference at the KPU office in Jakarta on Jan.4. (Antara/Reno Esnir)
Blind and visually impaired people will be able to cast their ballots in the West Sulawesi gubernatorial election on Feb.15 as the General Elections Commission (KPU) has prepared ballot templates to be used at every polling station across the province.
“We have allocated 2,756 templates in line with the number of polling stations in the province. So every polling station will have one template,” KPU West Sulawesi head Adi Arwan said on Thursday.
Adi said there were about 900 registered disabled voters spread through six regencies in West Sulawesi.
Adi said every polling station must have easy access for disabled voters. “Polling stations will not be especially designed for voters with disabilities, but we have required election officials to pay attention to aspects related to access for disabled voters in choosing polling station locations,” he said.
Giving examples, Adi said a polling station was not allowed to be located in a hilly area. Bridges and areas with steps also must be avoided. “In principle, a polling station must be easy to access by disabled voters,” said Adi.
Responding to a question asked by The Jakarta Post, Adi said it was acceptable for a disabled voter to be accompanied by a relative to cast a vote. However, the relative must sign a written statement guaranteeing the confidentiality of the ballot. (ebf)
