All eligible Bhutanese citizens have the right to participate in the democratic process through secret voting. However, when it comes to people living with a disability, the right can not be exercised because of a lack of disabled-friendly registrations and voting forms. This is as per research on challenges faced by persons with disabilities in making meaningful participation in elections in Bhutan. The research was published recently in the Bhutan Journal of Management.
According to the research findings, the participation of persons living with a disability in an election process is essential to ensure their political rights. However, with diverse categories of people with disability who are faced with different types of challenges, it was difficult for them to participate in elections like other people.
Persons living with disability shared similar challenges.
“We can reach the polling booth but once we get inside, it is difficult to vote for the right candidate. We cannot see their photo so if ECB could provide their names and details in brail, it will be helpful,” said Rinchen Penjor, a person who is blind.
Dorji Zam, a person with a speech impairment is of the opinion that it is difficult for them to understand the words written in the voting forms. However, she did not have an issue while voting as she could see the picture of the candidates and vote accordingly. And about the information on election and candidates, their teachers interpreted what was aired on BBS.
“I being a Bhutanese, wanted to vote so went to the polling station. But after I reached the polling station, I had to climb steps to the booth. There was no one to help me or carry me to the booth. I was disappointed when I could not vote. I felt left out,” said Pema Dorji, a person with a physical disability.
“The biggest challenge right now is with wheelchair users and those who are hearing impaired. They were saying that, during the election campaign, they were not able to get information on the candidates and their pledges. And those in a wheelchair had issues with physical accessibility. If BBS could also mobilise sign language and interpreter to get information to them,” said Sanga Dorji, the Chairperson of the Disabled People’s Organisation.
The research made recommendations to incorporate Braille on ballot boxes, manifestos and also pledges in Braille and pictographs. The research also concluded the need to improve the physical accessibility of polling stations and the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) to develop a separate voters list of persons living with a disability.
Meanwhile, the ECB said the commission is in the process of studying to update the separate voter’s list of persons living with a disability. ECB is also looking into initiating a mobile polling station. While there is no plan to incorporate Braille lettering, for now, the officials said they are exploring all measures to improve the election process for them. And for the upcoming Thromde elections, the ECB is asking all their guardians to help with the registrations.
According to the Population and Housing Census 2017, there are around 16,000 people living with a disability.
Kinley Dem
